Perfection. That’s the most apt description one could affix to Classical Jewels XI, staged at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa) in Port-of-Spain on November 18-19.

Though not packed to capacity the Lord Kitchener Auditorium was filled with excellent music by host Massy Trinidad All Stars and its cast of guest conductors and artistes when the production premiered on Saturday night.

Under the baton of Deryck Nurse, All Stars showed not just why it is the reigning National Panorama, with ten titles to its credit, and World Panorama champion but why the legendary Duke Street steel orchestra won the fiercely contested 1980 Steelband Music Festival.

Subtitled From Jules to Jemmott, the programme, hosted by Raymond Edwards, opened with the well known Alfred Newman 21st Century Fox Fanfare followed by the also familiar main theme from Star Wars.

For this dramatic opening the introductory visuals of all Star Wars movies were screened as a backdrop, the words Star Wars replaced by Classical Jewels, embellished by images of Darth Vader and R2-D2. 
 

Flautist Anthony Woodroffe Jnr joined All Stars with its performance of Henri Mancini’s upbeat Pie in the Face Polka. A piece started as a celebration of his late father’s life and developed 14 years ago for the ensemble category of the Pan is Beautiful competition, Sule Sampson then conducted All Stars in a full-bodied orchestral interpretation of the composition Glory.

Performing solo on three brightly painted instruments, Akeil George performed Liam Teague’s Cello Vibes and was followed by another product of All Stars, Dr Mia Gormandy conducting the orchestra for Elmer Bernstein’s imposing Magnificent Seven, a cherished 1960 western on the silver screen.

To capture the mood of this number, again the backdrop was used to screen images from the movie evoking fond memories of its stars Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson and Eli Wallach. The visuals technique of screening videos during a band’s performance is a welcome and innovative enhancement to steelband stage production.

Equally astounding were father and sons— Dane, Deneilson and Daniel Gulston—as they performed John Lennon’s Imagine.

There was more nostalgia when memories of All Stars pioneering the Bomb competition, its members learning their pieces sans sticks but using index fingers, was invoked with Jason “Stumps” Lewis’ composition J’Ouvert in ah Band, a piece written since 1991. Described as a tribute to All Stars living legend Neville Jules, the piece was vocalised by Sheldon Reid, accompanied by the orchestra. As an added treat veteran All Stars panmen/composers Clive Telemaque and Dane Gulston ventured on stage to capture the mood and tone of J’Ouvert from days of yore, Telemaque ramajying on a pan tuned to replicate the sound of a ping pong of esteryear.

What was one of the night’s most exhilarating moments came next when soprano Rahel Moore joined All Stars to render Puccini’s La Boheme, conducted by June Nathaniel. This young lady’s voice is akin that of an angel from heaven.

Again conducted by Nathaniel, All Stars was impressive and majestic in its execution of Gustav Holst’s The Planets—Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity. Again a video of a galaxy featuring Earth and Jupiter was used as the backdrop.

Patrons were allowed to catch a collective breath and refresh themselves at this juncture and intermission was called as the music performed in the show’s first half was breathtaking.

Young tenor player Kobe Alleyne resumed proceedings with a laid back interpretation of Sparrow’s Mr Walker, opening for the All Stars Youth Orchestra, conducted by Kygel Benjamin. The young musicians offered Yohan Strauss’ Persian Waltz and melodic themes from Bizet’s Carmen Overture.

New Zealand violinist Eleanor Ryan was also one of the evening’s stand-out acts as she played Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, executed in four parts.

Dane Gulston again held the spotlight when he frontlined the orchestra with his composition Sweet Bread.

Again the conductor’s podium saw a change as Nurse was replaced by Jessel Murray who conducted the UWI Arts Chorale in its delivery of a Christmas Angel Medley, rendered acapella style. Murray also conducted the Chorale and All Stars through popular Christmas number Do You Hear What I Hear? and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance.

For its finale, Nurse again conducted the orchestra in its performance of the band’s winning 1980 Steelband Music Festival selection Franz von Suppe’s Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna.

An announcement by show host Raymond Edwards requested patrons to remain seated for Prime Minister Keith Rowley to depart but neither the prime minister nor patrons moved from their seats as All Stars morphed into its winning 2017 Panorama tune of choice MX Prime’s Full Extreme, accompanied by flag woman Rhonda Allick and a handful of costumed revellers.

Musically speaking, Classical Jewels XI was perfect, underscoring the need for Pan Trinbago, government and corporate T&T to exhume the Steelband Music Festival and use it not just as a model of pan-playing dexterity and excellence but also as a platform to enhance the biennial tourism thrust initiative and the infinite potential of our national instrument.

Last weekend, it was Holistic Foundation’s Dingolay...Big People Party at Club Zen that took the cake but this weekend consider the entertainment bar being raised even higher with a plethora of fun events scheduled.

The fun actually begins with children in mind when FireOne hosts its annual Children’s Christmas Party for the Cyril Ross Home at 2 pm—5 pm at its warehouse in Macoya.

It is expected that 33 amazing children from the home will be coming out to enjoy this year and the folks at FireOne are going all out to treat them to a petting zoo, face painting, a photo booth, refreshments, goodie-bags with Christmas cookies and a visit with Santa for a gift. With Nikki Crosby as the afternoon’s host, Kevon Carter has been thrown in as some additional entertainment.

The FireOne charitable event is in its second year as Andre Abraham continues his efforts throughout and beyond to spread goodwill.

On Saturday, the National Trust of T&T will host its second annual Ponche de Crème and Parang on Nelson Island from 3 pm to 6.30 pm at the Nelson Island Heritage Site. This event will feature the parang bands Los Sonidos and Los Alumnos de San Juan, featuring Parang Queen Alicia Jaggassar.

Los Sonidos was founded by students of the Bishop Anstey High School East and Trinity College East and has won the National Junior Parang Championship in 2009 and 2010. Similarly, Los Alumnos de San Juan was founded by the teachers and students of the San Juan North Secondary (formerly San Juan Secondary Comprehensive) in 1986 and has won nine National Parang Championships. This group has performed in Puerto Rico, Panama, Cuba and several other countries and they continue to entertain local audiences every season.

Tickets for Ponche de Crème and Parang on Nelson Island are available at the National Trust of T&T’s Office, 68-70 Sackville Street, Port-of-Spain, the San Fernando Water Taxi Terminal and the Port-of-Spain Water Taxi Terminal.

For further details about the event contact the National Trust of T&T (225-4750), Fax: 226-1008 or email: chenelle.spooner@planning.gov.tt.

The best idea of encouraging local tourism during these hard times is ensuring that one can present a popular event in a local destination acceptable and accessible to all. 

On Saturday, Salybia Nature Resort and Spa, in association with Yorke Inc and More104.7FM, has done just that with the presentation of its Wildmeat Soca Parang Food Festival, from 4 pm at Salybia Nature Resort.

Patrons can look forward to experiencing a traditional countryside Christmas with beautiful natural ambience and a sumptuous choice of wildmeat, curry, roast pork and creole dishes for only $350 at this fund-raiser to assist the Credo for Justice charitable organisation.

They will also be entertained by the masters of Soca Parang in Baron, Scrunter and Marcia Miranda, along with 2017 Road March champion MX Prime & The Ultimate Rejects. DJ music will be supplied by Sounds of Kabuki and The Hitman Howie Tee. It promises to be an evening of fun, frolic and friendly faces.

Interested patrons who are not seeking weekend accommodation at the resort and need transport can call the following to arrange a maxi taxi shuttle service: Nancis (776-6227), Brian (795-2231), Lennox (722-2961), Frosty (721-5731), Oswald (472- 5854) and Shannon (704-4648).

Saturday’s big steelband event is the seventh edition of Pan in D Rosa, scheduled to begin at 6 pm at Lime Boulevard, Santa Rosa Heights, Arima. Staged by the Management Committee under the chairmanship of the hard-working Neville “Pageye” John, with assistance from the ministries of Community Development, Culture and The Arts and Tourism, and Tunapuna Regional Corporation, Pan in D Rosa 7 promises to be a must-attend affair.

Pan in D Rosa 7 has attracted eight of the world’s finest steel orchestras—Desperadoes, bpTT Renegades, Republic Bank Exodus, Melodians, FCB SuperNovas, Arima Angel Harps, CAL Invaders and San City Steel Symphony—along with a slew of popular entertainers such as Anne Fridal, Oscar B, Aaron Duncan and Chuck Gordon who will be performing with the bands. All of this talent will be powered by Johnny Q Sound Co Ltd.

While admission is free, the organisers have promised seasonal foods and well-stocked bars for patrons as they enjoy the songs of the season played on the national instrument.

Among the specially-invited guests are Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, her Tourism Ministry counterpart Shamfa Cudjoe, Arima Mayor Alderman Lisa Morris-Julian and Tunapuna Regional Corporation Chairman Paul Leacock.

Among the corporate sponsors making Pan in D Rosa 7 possible are the NCC, Pan Trinbago, NLCB, Carib, Fire One, Nestle, Angostura, Iceland Ltd, One Stop Garden Shop, Dianne’s Bakery, Intersol Ltd, Hermitage Lime Stone Quarry, New Gate Place, Racetrac, Xtra Foods, Republic Bank, Cepep and Hearty Foods.

This weekend’s entertainment roster is headed however by the continuation of Brian Mac Farlane’s acclaimed Christmas Joy: The Gift of the Drum which premiered last Sunday at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s.

Featuring Wendell Constantine, Lennox Gray, Wendy Sheppard, Marlon de Bique, Marvin Smith, Kelwyn Hutcheon and much more on its cast, showtimes for this production are 7 pm until Saturday with a 5.30 pm matinee on Sunday.

Los Vikingos, the parang side which turned Mooneram Street upside down recently when it performed at Cheers Pub’s annual Christmas Street Jam, and Parang Soca Queen Marcia Miranda, are headlining Sunday’s Parang & Soca Luncheon at Paragon Sports & Cultural Club, located on Western Main Road, Cocorite.

Sunday’s fun stuff also includes Pan, Parang & Pork being held by the St Francois Girls’ College Alumni holds Pan, Parang & Pork at The Clubhouse, Millennium Park, Trincity. Among the acts listed to perform are NGC Couva Joylanders Steel Orchestra, St Francois Girls College Steel, Los Angeles de San Miguel, Moricia Cagan and Nigel O’Connor. The fun begins at 4 pm.

Myron B’s annual Backyard Parang Jam is also on this Sunday evening at 37 Bengal Street in St James. This event is chock-filled with popular talent and its acts include Crazy, Rembunction, Rome, Ronoman, Walter Taylor, Jerry Howai, Philman, Mistah Shak, BB Serenaders and Los Amigos Cantadores.

With a full moon approaching there was water everywhere but people drank sumptuously from the flood of entertainment taking place nationwide. On Saturday, Yorke Inc held yet another bumper happening at the Salybia Nature Resort & Spa, venue for its annual Wild Meat Soca Parang Food Festival. Artistes like Road March champ MX Prime, Scrunter, Baron, Kenny J, and DJs Howie T, Sounds of Kabuki and Duane kept patrons dancing until way after the party’s scheduled midnight completion.

Also taking its crowd way into Sunday morning was Pan in D Rosa 7, staged by the Pan in D Rosa Committee and Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation at Lime Boulevard, Santa Rosa Heights, Arima. Desperadoes, First Citizens Supernovas, bpTT Renegades, Republic Bank Exodus, PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars, CAL Invaders and San City Steel Symphony were just some of the steelbands that graced the occasion.

Down South, Nialah Blackman had a successful launching of her debut album (Sokah) while back in the north it was Parang & Steel hosted by PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars in Newtown.

What can be said of Nialah’s premiere release? Her sound reflects the evolution of the genre, but stays true to its fundamental ethos as the “Soul of Calypso.”

In a pre-show interview she said, “It’s the unity of cultures, bringing people together. Soca is togetherness, peace, love and harmony among all the races.”

Nialah wants soca to be the sound of the future of T&T and, based on the audience’s response last weekend she will keep her promise, “This concert is going to be an annual event. It will be a platform for young people to showcase their culture. Sometimes we can get lost in the influences of other genres and cultures, but we need to respect ours.”

The granddaughter of late soca pioneer Ras Shorty I and daughter of 1979 National Calypso Queen Abbi Blackman, this drop-dead-gorgeous and talented soca princess is well poised and on her way to ascending to the pinnacle of the genre.

Last Sunday was just a wee bit more sedate although patrons were seen dancing up a storm at the Paragon Sports & Cultural Club’s annual Parang & Soca Luncheon in Cocorite. Headlining this gig were Marcia Miranda, Los Vikingos de San Jose and DJ Cardo.

Rounding off a weekend of non-stop entertainment action was the annual parang festival in Lopinot.

This weekend is no different and fingers are crossed that the weather is kinder, especially for the many outdoor events. This evening Newtown Playboyz holds It’s A Sweet Parang Soca Lime at its Pan Theatre on Tragarete Road, from 6 pm. Live performances will come from Pelham Goddard & Roots, Los Angeles de San Miguel, Marilyn Williams, Moricia Cagan, Nigel O’Connor and host Newtown Playboyz.

Prayers are being offered for clear skies tomorrow evening as well when Republic Bank stages A Gift of Love, featuring The Love Movement, Adam Smith Square, Woodbrook, at 6 pm.

Southern action includes the High Commission of India and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation, in collaboration with Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, staging Rhythms of Manipur from 6.30 pm. This will be held in Fyzabad at the Shri Siddhi Vinayaaka Avocat Mandir, on 296 Siparia Old Road, Avocat Village.

I Dream A World, featuring bpTT Marionettes, is on

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at Queen’s Hall, and The True Meaning of Christmas, featuring T&T Youth Philharmonic (TTYP), Voices of The University School (VOUS) children’s choir and Euangelion Singers and Band will be staged at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa), Port-of-Spain. These two concerts begin at 7.30 pm.

The second instalment of Parang & Steel 2017 will also be held tomorrow at Silver Stars and, in St James, on Mooneram Street, Cheers Pub will holds its lively Parang, Pork & Pan, featuring The Love Bunch parang group, Sapophonics Steel, The Stella Band and more.

Rock band jointpop is also in concert tomorrow at All Out Lounge, Queen’s Park Oval, Tragarete Road, Woodbrook with its Noise n Toys benefit.

For the past 13 years, jointpop hosts and performs at this toy collection concert. The show also doubles as the jointpop Christmas office party and it is always well attended and a fun filled night.

This will be the last jointpop gig of 2017 as the band is heading to the recording studio next Wednesday, until December 22 to record it’s eighth album, to be released in 2018. Recording will be done at STUDIO 303, the UTT studio at Napa.

Top Seattle-based producer Paul Kimble will be on board again , to follow up the production he did on the last jointpop album Quicksand (2015). Kimble is the bassist and producer of legendary US band Grant Lee Buffalo. MusicTT has assisted jointpop with funding for the album recording.

Also performing tomorrow night will be The Malcontents.

The Noise and Toys concert costs $80 entry at the door, plus a gift wrapped toy with a label or note with the information of gender and the age group of the child. All the toys are collected on the night and then distributed to various unprivileged kids homes across the country. Remember the one and most important rule of entry: No Toy Guns please.

Things cool down on Sunday evening with T&T Youth Philharmonic (TTYP), Voices of The University School (VOUS) children’s choir and Euangelion Singers and Band at Napa, Port-of-Spain; and, The Marionettes’ I Dream A World finale at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s.

Christmas with the Saints 2

The students of St Mary’s College are embarking for a second year on their Christmas production Christmas with the Saints 2, to be at the college’s Centenary Hall on Pembroke Street, Port-of-Spain. This event is organised by Form Six students and will serve as a glorious night of entertainment for the parents, teachers and students of St Mary’s College, and to the wider public who wish to enjoy a Saturday night of music and performance.

The concert brings out the best of the school’s present talent, including award-winning calypsonians Desle Julien, Duane O’Connor, Renaldo Alleyne-Noreiga and Reshawn Goodridge. The event also incorporates the talents of past students like vocalist Jake Salloum and instrumentalist Luke Walker.

Besides solo performers like these, patrons can expect to be wowed by the school’s parang side Los Santos whose recent victories include placing third in the National Junior Parang Competition.

The concert will similarly place emphasis on our national instrument, showcasing the college’s incomparable pan-side The Symphony of Saints, among pan soloists like Dylan Yuk Low.

At the admission fee of a mere blue note ($100) this show is a steal-of-a-deal if ever there was one, especially with its star-studded retinue of guest performers. Guest artistes include Parang Queen Alicia Jaggassar and Los Alumnos de San Juan, 3Canal, The Flick, Ms Dija, Shortpants, Mastertone Salloum and La Nueva Experiencia.

Jake Salloum is the creative director of Christmas with the Saints 2 and its musical director is Alea Jaggernauth. The show is produced entirely by the Form 6 Students of St. Mary’s College.

Christmas Delicacies (fruit cake, pastelles etc) and drinks (sorrel, ponche de crème etc.) will be on sale and tickets are are available at the college’s office, or through Manager Enrico Rajah (623-8835/745-4391). Showtime is 7.30 pm.

All proceeds go towards recurrent expenditure and the Music Room.

In addition to being “a nice way to highlight the steelpan at a different level,” Paninclusive—Pan Lime in D City, presented by Epic  Events & Marketing Solutions, is offering a scholarship for a young pan musician to study music at the tertiary level in T&T.

“This year’s recipient will be a member of reigning Panorama champion Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra,” said Joanne Phillips, spokesperson for Epic Events & Marketing Solutions.

“In the future, based on the success of the event, a similar scholarship will be offered to the defending Panorama champion annually, which will allow for a pannist to further develop his/her musical skills. We are pleased to have an element which gives back, with a focus on pan. Because we have recognised the value of pan to our culture and the talent among the youth and pannists alike.”

About Paninclusive, Phillips said she believed there was a market for the type of event, “where many pan enthusiasts can enjoy an evening of pan music, in a classy and elegant way, using the same elements of an all-inclusive party, where one can enjoy great ambiance, great food, great drinks and great friends.

Having had many years of experience in the event and entertainment industry, we recognised that this type of element was missing from our Carnival.” An all-inclusive party featuring pan? So, what kind of musical entertainment can patrons expect?

“Our guests can expect the best of pan,” said Phillips. “What we would call pan royalty. We will welcome our guests with the sounds of Caribbean Airlines Invaders, a band that perfects sound, as well as presentation. Guests will then be treated to an on-stage performance by our reigning Panorama champion, Massy Trinidad All Stars; then we will chip home to the music of Angostura Woodbrook Playboyz. Pan will be well-represented at Paninclusive.”

Paninclusive Pan Lime in D City will be held on February 4, 2018, at the Government Campus Plaza, Richmond Street, Port of Spain, from 4 to 11 pm. It will be a parking-inclusive event, as secure parking will be available at the Parkade, just a few footsteps away from the party.

(Reporting by David Cuffy)

n Tickets cost $800 each, and can be obtained from Ticket Federation, Ticket Gateway, and from committee members at 718-0175; 767-3327; 789-5345.

The Signal Hill Alumni Choir will showcase what promises to be a very special pre-carnival show on Sunday January 7, 2018 at the Queen’s Hall at 5.30 pm.

Billed as Soca-Lypso, show producer John Arnold explained to Pulse: “The show will feature choral treatment of local calypso and soca music in four-, five- and six-part harmonies, and this pre- Carnival offering is an attempt to develop another musical type of entertainment for visitors and locals alike. The show will feature strong and exciting choreography which adds to the presentation and allows a visual context that amplifies the music’s message.”

The show choir experience will feature the Signal Hill Alumni as well as approximately 15 choristers from the choir now living in Trinidad, and also from other choir experiences.

Arnold continues: “The event is being held for several reasons, which includes an opportunity to showcase the extensive calypso and soca repertoire of the choir, offer another product for carnival, promote music tourism, and to curate the beautiful music of Trinidad and Tobago.

Soca-Lypso traces TT’s music from its roots calypso, right up to today’s soca. So, patrons can look forward to interpretations of songs from the late Lord Kitchener, Machel Montano, Benjai, Terror, Kerwin Du Bois, the Voice, Shurwayne Winchester and many more.

The show will feature over 22 arrangements, including four medleys and affords a different kind of experience outside the regular and traditional Carnival offerings.

In addition to its chorale element, the cast includes the illustrious Desperadoes Steel Orchestra and Oscar B, a former member of the choir in the 80’s.

Soca-Lypso is being held under the patronage of Nyan Gadsby- Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts.

n Tickets are available at Queen’s Hall box office, Cleve’s and Sanch Electronix.

Latin flavour comes to Chaguanas

Based in the heart of Chaguanas, Rumba Latina is the country’s newest restaurant, lounge and nightclub.

The venue’s soft launch on December 1 was encouraging but its Friday evening gigs are really off the hook.

Proprietors of Rumba Latina told Pulse that their venue is designed to add a burst of flavour with their traditional Latin drink and menu offering.

Live entertainment is also be featured at later hours  the lounge setting is transformed into an upbeat club setting.

The menu at Rumba Latina includes the best of traditional Latin flavour with dishes such as asado negro, costillas de cerdo, pabellon criollo, cachapas, tostones and churrasco complemented by a mixture of exotic drinks and house specials such as Venezuela Libre, polvo de media noche, tinto verano and bandera Venezuela.

Of course, a sample of appetisers, main courses, desserts and drinks from its local restaurant menu are also available.

Rumba Latina comes like anoasis for lovers of Latin music and dance.

Today we commence the 18th year of the new millennium and, after a tumultuous 2017 we face even more challenging times. We can only pray that this year we will be spared the wrath of destructive weather, crime and further economic meltdown.

More immediate and hopefully on a upbeat note we are in the middle of Carnival 2018 and a number of last year’s champions are hoping to successfully defend their thrones and even win more titles. Amongst them are National Panorama winners Massy Trinidad All Stars, Pan Elders, La Horquetta Pan Groove and Angostura Newtown Playboys Steel Symphony; Road March winner MX Prime & Ultimate Rejects; National Calypso Monarch Chalkdust; International Soca Monarch Voice; joint Chutney Soca Monarchs Ravi B and Omardath Maharaj, and others.

The Guardian contacted two of calypso’s stalwart living legends —Sparrow and Chalkdust—to get some of their thoughts on T&T and the calypso art form, and plans they have for the new year. Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz also offered his thoughts.

Calypso King of the World Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) was contacted at his New York residence and he said: “For 2018, me, the supreme calypso king of the world, is coming out with a brand new CD titled Politics As We Know It. There have been a lot of things happening and I am putting it all out there. I am right now in the studio and don’t have much more to go for completion.”

The tracks on the Politics As We Know It CD are I Dont Know, Money From Russia With Love, Let Obamacare Implode, North Korea, Is He Redneck Property, Tension in Oval Office, and Please Tell Me Why Vol II.

An album devoted to US and global politics, Sparrow said of his latest work: “I am hoping that Americans will be able to relate to these songs. I think that they will especially as this CD is written for the worldwide market and audience.”

Asked to comment on T&T politics and matters concerning home, Sparrow said: “Based on some of the things I have been hearing it seems that our country is heading for an implosion. This is not happy news for me. The people I have spoken too are saying that they have never seen behaviour as it is has been in politics. It is time for Trinbagonians to kneel and pray.

“Every week I hear of something horrible happening. People around my age are all asking the same question, ‘what is going on in Trinidad’? We out here would like to return home and relax and enjoy some time with our kids and grandkids, but.....”

Sparrow continued: “I would really like to come back home and enjoy everything like I once did, including family and friends, the food and the beaches. I love carnival too much to miss it. But the amount of crime and killing is scary, even for us living in America. We don’t like what we are hearing about what is happening and the bad news can hurt and prevent our people from coming home for carnival and beyond.

“The people who run carnival, including the government and politicians, need to think of our festival as a business that makes a lot of money and realise that news of crime is destroying the image of Trinidad and Tobago.

“It is time for betterment and it will be difficult for every one of us. I believe that prayers are the only answer for a better day.”

Ended Sparrow, “I don’t have a long prayer list, but make it your business and I insist, and, to all pretty Trini girls I send a kiss.”

The bard with the most national calypso monarch titles to his credit, Chalkdust said: “For 2018, I would like to see more people appreciating the art form and understanding calypso because I see so many people who do not understand the art form.

“Take for instance this Massive Gosine calypso about Keith Rowley’s mother. First thing people need to know and understand about a calypso is that it must make sense. If it doesn’t make sense it is not a calypso. So, there’s no need for all this hullabaloo; let the wise be guided accordingly.”

Chalkdust added: “I hope that the government invests some serious money into the art form, despite all the problems of Tuco and Pan Trinbago. Without the arts and culture we would be a very unstable people. You cannot have a country or a nation without the joy that the arts give to people.”

Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz said: “I would like us to show more love and support for our national cultures. By extension, love for the steelband and our events, whether they are Pan Trinbago events or individual steelband events.

“I believe that now is the time for Trinbago people to support our culture by promoting music played by nationals to provide the artistes more economic stability. This will help alleviate some of the crime in this country.

“I would like the blessing of Almighty Oludumare to bless our country and our people, especially to reduce crime in 2018.”

Efforts were made to contact other 2017 champions without success.

It’s the first weekend of a new year and if the last weekend of 2017 is any indication of what to expect entertainment wise, we are in for an exciting and busy year. Despite wet weather, 2018 opened with a bang as Tuco launched its Carnival programme on Monday with its annual Start de Carnival Cooler Fete at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. Soka in Moka XIX was also held on New Year’s Day at Trinity College, Moka, Maraval and Gerald Yorke, head of Yorke Inc, held his annual New Year’s Day Backyard Dutch in Diego Martin.

Reports indicate that folks attending Soka in Moka XIX had themselves a blast, entertained by D’All Starz, Dil-e Nadan, with guest appearances by pan players Dane Gulston and Johan Chuckaree, Brass 2 the World and guests Farmer Nappy, Patrice Roberts and Nadia Batson.

Front-lining with Raymond Ramnarine for Dil-e Nadan are Derrick Seales, Renuka Mahabir and former Young Kings Monarch Stephen Marcelle.

Doing similar chores for D’All Starz is Blaxx, Tizzy, Ricardo Drue and Teddyson John.

Dil-e Nadan reportedly gave its usual well-polished performance, especially for including the national instrument in its repertoire. People also commented favourably on the performance of Brass 2 the World, featuring lead vocalist Heaven “Snakey” Charles, with guest Nailah Blackman in tow.

Past Soca Monarch Ronnie Mc Intosh also made a guest appearance.

The C2K18 action doesn’t stop or relent as competition in this year’s National Panorama competition commenced last evening. Single pan steelbands of Pan Trinbago’s Northern Region are being judged in their panyards and qualifying performances continue tonight and tomorrow, at the same time. Qualifying competition for Eastern Region bands will also be held on Sunday.

The calypso season also opens this evening with the premiere of the Missioneers calypso tent at the Community Centre on Yolande Pompey Ground, Princes Town, at 8 pm. Tomorrow evening the Tribe ICE Fete will be held at the Queen’s Park Oval, Elizabeth Street, St Clair, and Vintage Vibes is also having its Frigid Cooler Fete at Rafa Club, Queen’s Park East, Port-of-Spain.

The first C2K18 mega production is scheduled for Sunday at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s and it will be SocaLypso Chronicles, staged by the Signal Hill Alumni Show Choir from 5.30 pm. Joining Signal Hill for this event is Desperadoes Steel Orchestra.

As my old year ended, my new year began in sadness. Saddened last week Thursday when I attended the funeral of culture icon MacDonald Ward at Trinity Cathedral and in a similar mood this week with the news of one of my all time favourite calypsonians, Mighty Swallow, who has been in dire need of financial assistance for medical care in the US.

This week, I was informed that the family of legendary Antiguan calypsonian Rupert “Mighty Swallow” Philo are reaching out to the public to assist with the cost of his medical care. Philo was hospitalised in New York in August for what has been described as several “serious health issues.”

I have fond memories of Swallow and his performances both at the now defunct Calypso Spektakula calypso tent on Henry Street, Port-of-Spain, and in Brooklyn, New York, through the 80s. Who can forget soca’s golden years of the 70s and 80s when Swallow burst onto the scene with mega hits like Dont Stop the Party (1979); Subway Jam (1981); Party in Space (1983); and, Fire in the Backseat (1988)? I also remember the epic Antigua calypso monarch clashes between Swallow and the late King Obstinate.

Other calypso classics by Swallow include Dawn of a New Day; One Hope, One Love, One Destiny; Rise Antigua Rise; and, Man to Man.

In New York last year for Labour Day performances, Swallow fell ill and was admitted to King’s County Hospital in Brooklyn on September 1.

In an effort to generate funds for Swallow’s recovery, Franklyn T Grant Jr has set up an online donation account on the popular GoFundMe website with a goal to raise US$111,700.

Grant Jr is reported to have stated: “I am appealing to you guys and gals, friends, family and strangers as well, for your financial assistance. The medical bill is accumulating and the day-to-day finances have been depleted. I am forced to seek your help so he can survive in this foreign city. None of us expected his health to deteriorate so quickly.

“At the present time, he (Swallow) is under extensive doctor’s care. It will take an extended period for him to recuperate. Although he is discharged, he’s still not out of the woods.”

Philo is reportedly living in an apartment on Fulton Street, rent-free, courtesy of Rawlston Charles, the NY-domiciled producer and philanthropist who produced Swallow’s earliest works and that of scores of other calypsonians.

“Due to the amount of time, he has to stay for medical attention through the winter days, the living accommodations need to be altered and/or updated,” Grant Jr said.

To date, also dubbed “the Hitman of Calypso,” King Swallow is the recipient of three Sunshine Awards. He has also received national honours in T&T and Grenada. In Antigua, he has been awarded Grand Cross of the Most Princely Heritage.

King Swallow still holds the distinction of being the first calypsonian to grace the stage at Radio City Music Hall and also also established and managed the oldest calypso tent, the Calypso Pepper Pot dubbed the University of Calypso.

Swallow will turn 76 on Valentine’s Day (February 14).

I have several memories of Spektakula Forum, once located at Upper Henry Street, Port-of-Spain, most good and just a few different.

The home of Calypso Spektakula calypso tent, the Forum, was actually constructed by William Munro, pioneer of the International Soca Monarch competition and Kingdom of the Wizards calypso tent.

To get “the different” out of the way first, I remember attending a show in a packed Forum when an electrical fire started in the ceiling. As the venue went pitch black, the crackling sound of burning electrical wires overhead, and with patrons trampling each other in search of an exit, a huge woman flung me against the chest-high apron of the stage which I collided with face first, almost losing my teeth.

To understand the genesis of Calypso Spektakula however one has to go back almost half century ago when the late Claude Martineau ran National Music music shop on Queen Street.

He was subsequently joined by his younger sibling Frank who, at the age of 17, and graduating from school, was ten years younger than Claude.

The one thing the brothers loved as much as selling the latest albums to music-hungry Trinis was calypso and calypsonians.

When they realised the Forum was up for rental, in 1982 they seized the opportunity and immediately occupied the new, state of the art, air-conditioned entertainment facility which boasted a seating capacity of 2,400.

In this new quest among the equally minded young entrepreneurs were the late Bunny Cumberbatch, Lennox Toussaint and Earl Patterson. The first signees to Calypso Spektakula and the new vision for calypso were reigning National Calypso Monarch Chalkdust, emcee Tommy Joseph and Roy Cape Kaiso All Stars.

The calypso tent also incorporated professional dancers to accompany some of the calypsonians and featured the most popular acts from across the other Caribbean islands and the US including Arrow, Becket and Swallow.

Aside from Chalkdust, calypsonians who have reached the pinnacle of the art form and have graced the Forum stage include David Rudder and Machel Montano, both joining the cast in 1986, SuperBlue, Tambu, Gypsy and Barbadian Edwin Yearwood.

A brighter day for calypso With the coming of Calypso Spektakula, upper Henry Street became the Mecca for calypso as obliquely opposite the Forum, the late Jazzy Pantin and Sonny Woodley had relocated Kitchener’s Calypso Revue. The street at night became a beehive of activity nightly, attracting local and overseas visitors in droves, all coming to hear the best calypsonians with the best calypsoes. People, from the regular working man to the wealthiest personality, flocked to the Forum’s doors to catch the premiere of what was then the most exciting tent on the calypso circuit and they packed the Forum every night throughout the season.

This was certainly a golden age for calypso. Calypso Spektakula was the production that set new standards for calypso tents from its debut. The producers introduced the latest lighting and lighting effects technology of the day and also employed the most advanced sound system; patrons sat on plush seats; and, the artistes were accommodated in well-appointed dressing rooms.

Calypso through the years For well over 25 years Calypso Spektakula presented the most sought after calypsonians and soca artistes of the day, as well as served as the nurturing ground for artistes that would eventually stand among the best of the best.

Calypso Spektakula treated patrons not only with great performances featuring the top artistes delivering calypsoes, exploring social and political issues through either stinging lyrics or humour, but also the hottest soca, chutney soca and ragga soca.

In 2018 Spektakula Promotions is relighting the flame of Calypso Spektakula on Thursday, January 25, at Centre of Excellence, Macoya; Friday 26 at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (Sapa), San Fernando; Saturday 27 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa); and, Sunday 28 at Clifton Hill Beach Club, Point Fortin. These shows will be a nostalgic journey revisiting the Great Nostalgic Calypsoes of yesteryear and the 25-plus glorious years of Calypso Spektakula.

Spectacular cast of calypsonians I remember in the ’80s, around Christmas, SuperBlue would visit me at Impact Disco, which I managed on Frederick Street, to give me and patrons a first listen to what he predicted would be not just a hit but the Road March for the following year’s carnival.

One Christmas Eve Day, with patrons in tow and like the Pied Piper of Hamlyn, SuperBlue (then Blue Boy) and his then manager Romeo Abraham) proceeded from the disco up Frederick Street singing eventual 1983 Road March Rebecca.

The procession made its way along Park Street and turned back when we got to Spektakula Forum, symbolically the Valhalla of calypso.

Calypso Spektakula was the place where David Rudder launched his campaign to compete in the National Calypso Monarch competition, which he won in 1986 along with two other coveted titles, the National Road March and Young King titles making him the first ever triple-crown winner.

Rudder remained at these Calypso Spektakula shows even as his international career took off. Rudder will also be performing at the show.
Also on stage for Calypso Spektakula Thru the Years 2018 will be Chalkdust, the national calypso monarch record-holder, with nine victories to his credit; and, Trinidad Rio, who built a fine career at Calypso Spektakula with his unique brand of humorous social and political commentary, and also storytelling through comedic calypsoes. King of humorous calypsoes Funny will also perform at these shows along with Luta and the world’s most proficient extempo calypsonian Winston “Gypsy” Peters. Also billed are 3Canal, Baron, Relator, Rikki Jai, Iwer, Ronnie Mc Intosh, Tony Prescott, and from Barbados Rupee and Edwin Yearwood. For this year’s production, Spektakula Promotions has also embarked on paying tribute to some of icons of calypso. Patrons are expected to be mesmerised by Nailah Blackman paying tribute to her grandfather Ras Shorty I and two-time national calypso monarch Chuck Gordon paying tribute to the Mighty Sparrow.
These are only some of the artistes in the impressive line-up for shows that will be hosted by Tommy Joseph who had audiences in stitches nightly for the last quarter decade. Artistes will all be backed by Vincent Rivers and his band The Soca Unit.
Last Friday, Frank Martineau, Spektakula Promotions CEO, said: “There have been so many artistes that stood behind Spektakula through the years, I am sincerely hoping that those who were not selected would not get vex with Lennox (Toussaint) and myself.”
For 2018 shows are expected to sell out, so move now and get tickets early at all NLCB Lotto outlets.

Cocktails, denim and diamonds in Maraval

Fetes for Carnival 2018 go to a higher level this weekend with a few popular all-inclusives scheduled nationwide.

For starters, the annual Old Hilarian party— Cocktails, Denim and Diamonds —has moved from the courtyard of Bishop Anstey High School (BAHS) to the more spacious Estate 101 in Maraval, and will be held tomorrow evening.

Bouyant with the possibility of former Hilarian Justice Paula Mae Weekes being named as the nation’s next president, the girls have promised to produce their best effort in 21 years of party-planning. They are also determined to raise funds from the fete for the restorative, maintenance and repair works and providing resources for the students at BAHS.

Apparently the choice of most promoters this year, Dil-e-Nadan heads the cast of performers booked for tomorrow. In addition to “surprise bands and guest artistes,” music will also be provided by DJs Alicia D Duchess and King International.

Tickets for the fete are available at How’zat Sports Bar and Cutters Stop (163 Tragarete Road, Woodbrook); Street Party Mas Camp (84 Tragarete Road, Newtown; 360- 0144); and, the School Office (285-9199).

Another big all-inclusive fete on tomorrow’s agenda is Roots Fever, to be held Under the Trees, The Normandie, St Ann’s, at 5 pm. Expected much nostalgia at this one as music is by Pelham & Roots, Moricia Cagan, Nigel O’Connor, David Rudder, 3 Canal, Anslem Douglas, Brimblers Steel and others.

The premier all-inclusive in the East is Soca with HOBA 2, hosted by Hillview College OBA.

Scheduled to begin at 5.30 pm at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, the music goodies will be delivered in full by Kes the Band, Dil-e-Nadan, and DJs Marcus Williams and Dr Dominic.

Sunday’s high point is eagerly awaited Caesar’s Army-fuelled UWI fete on the Principal Grounds, UWI, St Augustine.

Branded The Secret Garden, don’t expect spirits to be dimmed by the passing of UWI Fete founder Prof George Maxwell Richards as music for this all-inclusive will come from Machel Montano, Kes the Band, Dil-e-Nadan, Voice, Allison Hinds and more. The party begins at noon.

While the opening of Tuco East Zone’s Kaiso Karavan calypso tent has been postponed to a date to be announced, Kalypso Revue will have its traditional Arima opening tomorrow night at The Velodrome, at 8 pm.

Fete Just for a worthy cause

A group of fun-loving, kind-hearted women continue to hold one of the best all-inclusive fundraisers in the East and are predicting that Just Fete 2018 will be bigger and betterwith great good, premium bar and DJ and live entertainment.

February 4 is the date to save and tickets are available at just $475 from committee members.

Last year, funds raised at the event were given to Petra Phillips-Nixon and Caleb Johnson. Just Fete 2017 allinclusive fund-raiser last Carnival was a huge success thanks to the many companies, organisations, individuals and supporters who made valuable contributions.

Among the contributors were Table Tops Unlimited, Caribbean Airlines Ltd, Caribbean Bottlers T&T Ltd, Century 21 Janitorial Services, Nutrimix Feeds Ltd, Premium Wedding Services, Seafood Enterprises and Tribe the band.

Not only was the 2017 well attended, but patrons who got more than they expected and were thrilled to the fantastic performance of soca artiste Patrice Roberts.

This year, this premium fete will be held at the Khans’ Valsayn North residence, at 30 Palm Road.

The Eyes of God touches the Soul of T&T

He’s back! Yes, celebrated designer, artist, mas man Peter Minshall is teaming up with Ainsworth Mohammed (AM), manager of Republic Bank Exodus Steel Orchestra, to produce a Carnival band. It is not the first MM (Minshall and Mohammed) have collaborated with Exodus as last year’s Minshall’s Spiritus Mundi was a special section with Exodus on Carnival Tuesday. About this year’s presentation Mohammed said: “We are particularly excited about the profound message Peter Minshall, in this band, would be sending to the world.”

T&T’s traditional soul food— black eyed peas and rice—will be celebrated in The Eyes of God for Carnival 2018 and the production is being defined as “it is true mas revisited and revived —the sailor, the pan and the flag woman.”

But, for Minshall, it carries an even stronger message to the nation, as he fears “The carnival is relentlessly cavorting down the road to the mindless beat of debauchery and depravity. Once upon a time there was spirit and soul and meaning in the mas. People would play mas as much for attainment as for entertainment.

“We need to get that spirit back. We need to express and show the spirit of the thing, not just the flesh. We need to feed the soul.”

When The Eyes of God: Blackeye Peas and Rice hits the street it will seek to capture the artist’s vision expressed in his quote, “All men are equal in the eyes of God; Would that all gods were equal in the eyes of Man.”

Matching Exodus’ signature black and white, the 2018 mas presentation embodies these colours and delivers the profound message with, quite appropriately, a minimum of fuss.

Registration for The Eyes of God: Blackeye Peas and Rice continues at Trinidad Theatre Workshop, 6 Newbold Street (opposite Kapok Hotel), St Clair, daily, from 10 am to 6 pm.

For more information, contact 760-9689 or Email: eyesofgod.minshallmas2018@gmail.com

Also visit Masman Minshall on Facebook and Instagram.

Yes, the annual National Panorama competition is served by the best pannists on the planet performing on the best tuned instruments. After 55 years of the competition, globally acclaimed as the most prestigious steelband and percussion orchestra competition, Panorama is not so much a duel of who are the best pannists or which steelband executes best on final night.

Panorama is epitomised as actually being a competition of outstanding musicians, and which arranger best interprets a steelband’s Tune of Choice, judged by a panel of adjudicators on eight minutes of music.

Since 1963, these National Panorama finals have been enhanced by some memorable arrangements produced by some truly remarkable musicians, among them being Anthony Williams, the late Clive Bradley and Jit Samaroo, Leon “Smooth” Edwards, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Ray Holman, Robert Greenidge, Bobby Mohammed, Earl Rodney, Steve Achaiba, the Austin brothers (Milton and Rudin), Ken “Professor” Philmore, and the list goes on.

Who can forget Mohammed’s earth-shaking, innovative arrangement of Kitchener’s ‘67 in the 1967 final. With blackpainted instruments spilling off the Queen’s Park Savannah stage well into the Drag, south’s Guinness Cavaliers created history by repeating its 1965 victory, the only San Fernando steelband to ever win the Panorama competition more than once.

There are so many Panorama excellently arranged tunes of choice that to list all of my favourites would require much more space to itemise them all.

Apart from a few that have won the competition there are a few that were beaten.

Coming immediately to mind is Desperadoes’ 1982 and ‘84 runner-up placings with Bradley’s arrangements of Lord Nelson’s Party Tonight and Baron’s Jammer, respectively.

Prior to that, in the 1972 final, the competition was won by Harmonites playing Rodney’s arrangement of St Thomas Girl, followed by Tokyo playing Gerald “Belly Charles’ interpretation of Kitchener’s Miss

Harriman. But, several pan folk sat up and paid attention to Ray Holman’s innovative treatment of Pan on the Move, Panorama’s first “owntune” composition.

The Woodbrook band was placed third but the door was now opened for 45 ensuing years of “own-tune” Panorama compositions, Boogsie Sharpe being the main progenitor of this genre of steelpan composing.

Also within this category of memorable non-winners are Smooth Edwards’ 1987 arrangement of De Mighty Trini’s Curry Tabanca and Philmore’s treatment of Designer’s Pan by Storm in 1990, the southern band placing behind Renegades performing Samaroo’s arrangement of Kitchener’s Iron Man.

I also have indelible memories of Trinidad All Stars’ 1982 scintillating final night performance of Heat, also arranged by Edwards and placing second to Samaroo’s Pan Explosion.

I still have a vivid recollection of that final night when All Stars performed and the Savannah seemed to be an actual inferno hot fiery arrangement accentuated by the amount of dust raised on the night by throngs of supporters stage side.

Speaking of Renegades, another of the Charlotte Street band’s nostalgic final night performances was in 1992 when Samaroo succeeded in succinctly interpreting Kitchener’s masterpiece of Bee’s Melody but apparently not sufficient enough to impress the judges. That night the judges placed Renegades third behind Exodus and Phase II Pan Groove.

As stated earlier there are too many memorable victorious arrangements to list them all but I shall endeavour to name some of my personal favourites, the year and their arrangers.

Tribute to Spree Simon (1975), played by the top three bands in the final; Rebecca (1983), Clive Bradley; Pan Night and Day (1985), Beverly Griffith and Jit Samaroo, respectively; Woman is Boss (1988), Boogsie Sharpe; Iron Man (1990), Jit Samaroo; Musical Volcano (1991) / In My House (1999), Robert Greenidge); High Mas (1998), Clive Bradley; Different Me (2016), Carlton Zanda Alexander; and, Full Extreme (2017), Smooth Edwards.

Panorama 2018 will be served by some of the finest steelband musicians/ arrangers in the land so come Sunday, January 28 expected “cat piss and pepper” in De Big Yard Queen’s Park Savannah.

Large Conventional Bands will have their preliminary adjudication in their respective panyards and other nearby venues on January 20-23.

It’s that time again. When the executive members of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco), led by Lutalo Masimba (Bro Resistance) unveiling the latest calypso compositions to a calypso-hungry populace. Last weekend, Kalypso Revue had a bumper opening in Arima and tonight it’s the turn of Tuco North Zone to present its cast of the Klassic Ruso calypso tent 2018, based at the refurbished Murchison Brown City Hall Auditorium, Knox Street, Port-of-Spain.

The cast of Klassic Ruso exemplifies the tent’s legacy of the calypso artform with royal cultural energy. Amongst headliners are Humming Bird Medal (Silver) recipient and the tent’s patriarch All Rounder, aka “the Garlic Sauce Man,” Crazy, Contender, Versatile, Black Prince, Lady Wonder, Shirlane Hendrickson, Hamidullah and Brian London.

Each year Klassic Ruso identifies and honours a stalwart calypsonian and this year’s honoree is Kenroy Smith, known in the calypso arena as Black Prince.

Not to be outdone, as if to eclipse its opening last weekend, Kalypso Revue, led by Sugar Aloes, is hosting Ladies Night (two people on one ticket) tonight, for its first show at home base—SWWTU Hall, Wrightson Road, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain.

Aside from having the reigning National Calypso Monarch, Chalkdust, on its cast, the Revue also boasts of Baron, Sugar Aloes, Skatie, Pink Panther, Devon Seale, Ninja and Alana Sinnette. Showtime is 8.30 pm.

Kaiso Karavan, a member of Tuco East Zone, seems to have overcome some difficulties to open its doors for the 2018 season but shall do so tomorrow night at the La Joya Complex, EMR, St Joseph.

Karavan’s cast, to be introduced by resident show host Godfrey Pierre, also includes kaiso hard hitters including Bally, De Original De Fosto Himself, Johnny King, Cardinal, Erphaan Alves, The Stinger, M’ba, Bro Alpha, Eunice Peters, Helon Francis, Lady Adana, Georgia Mc Intyre and Asha Kamachee.

Musical accompaniment will be by The Ruiz Brothers and the Karavan stays at home this weekend.

Though not confirmed up to press time, Tuco flagship tent (Kaiso House) was scheduled to premiere its tent opening on Saturday at Globe Cinema, Park Street, Port-of- Spain, at 8 pm.

The calypso tent of monarchs, Kaiso House features Chuck Gordon, KareneAsche, Duanne O’Connor, Singing Sandra, Gypsy, Brother Mudada, De Diamond, Twiggy and much more.

Tuco’s South Central Zone’s Kaiso Showkase also continues to stir up quite a ruckus by presenting wall-to-wall kaiso nightly at Palms Club, San Fernando.

In this year of love, show some love for our kaiso and go support this national art form.

The weekend past was just a taste, a tiny morsel actually, of what’s to come for the rest of C2K18. Served on Saturday by Old Hilarians’ Association’s Cocktails, Denim & Diamonds, held at a new location in Maraval, at Estate 101, and Roots Fever, Under The Trees at The Normandie in St Ann’s; plus Sunday’s UWI Secret Garden all-inclusive and Tribe ICE fete at the Queen’s Park Oval, each event attracted large turnouts.

Opinions and reactions were mixed for the new venue for the Bishop’s fete with some patrons voicing the view that they preferred to party on the compound of Bishop Anstey High School. Nevertheless, concerns were soon put aside as music was really the winner at Cocktails, Denim & Diamonds.

Newbie to the big fete scene, Brass 2 D World lived up to its name as the aggregation opened the fete in explosive fashion, its strident horn section reminiscent of brass bands of yore like Mano Marcellin, Ray Sylvester and Gemini Brass.

Brass 2 D World was also amazing with its selections, especially when the band went retro, its lead vocalist Snakey (Heaven Charles) belting out past classics by Black Stalin, Sparrow, Kitchener, Shadow and Explainer. Their set was truly “outta D world.”Also livening up this fete were reigning International Soca Monarch Voice, Iwer George, Dil-e-Nadan, Patrice Roberts, Alison Hinds, Marzville, Ricardo Drue and Shal

Marshall. Dil-e-Nadan continues to fuse pan, played by Phase II Pan Groove’s Johann Chuckaree, into its set and this offers an enticing dimension to the band’s overall performance.

This weekend, C2K18 temperatures are expected to soar even higher with calypso tents and preliminary National Panorama competitions being added to the fete mix. Last night, Klassic Ruso and Kalypso Revue calypso tents premiered their seasons in Port-of-Spain.

This evening, Vintage Calypso Knights, featuring Bro Superior & Friends, Poser, Bro Mudada, Abebele, Reflection The Band and more, will be held at Kaiso Blues Cafe, 85 Woodford Street, Newtown. The Icons calypso tent is also due to be opened at Ambassador Hotel, Long Circular Road, St James; and, Tuco East Zone’s Kaiso Karavan and South Zone’s Kaiso Showcase are also scheduled to be opened, respectively, at Eric Williams Auditorium, La Joya Complex, St Joseph, and Palms Club, Pointe-a-Pierre Road, San Fernando.

Another C2K18 event to note is tonight’s Vintage Kaiso production at Queen’s Hall, staged by the alumni of Holy Name Convent.

Tomorrow’s big event is St Mary’s College’s Fete with the Saints, to be held from 5 pm, at St Mary’s College Grounds, Serpentine Road, St Clair. Machel Montano and Kes The Band are the headline acts for this one.

Pan Trinbago commences its 2018 preliminaries for the National Panorama Large Conventional Bands Competition for bands in the East Zone tomorrow evening, from 7 pm, in the respective panyards.

Preliminary competition continues for different zones on Sunday—Tuesday as well, with semi-finals being announced next Wednesday, in time for Sunday 28 in The Big Yard.

Tuco will open its flagship calypso tent (Kaiso House) tomorrow at Globe Cinema, Port-of-Spain. Its cast includes Chuck Gordon, Karene Asche, Duanne O’Connor, Singing Sandra, Gypsy, Brother Mudada, De Diamond and Twiggy.

One of the producers of Carnival’s first all-inclusive fetes ever staged—Rosemary Hezekiah—will hold Mini Veni on Sunday, with music by 3 Canal, DJ Keston Derrick and more, at 48 Tragarete Road, Woodbrook, at 4 pm.

Yorke Inc is holding its usually mammoth holding Fun Seekers Unite all-inclusive fete on Sunday at the University Inn & Conference Centre, UWI, St Augustine, at 5 pm. Music will be by Dil-e-Nadan, Brass 2 D World, D All Starz Band, Rhapsody NG, Voice, Marzville, Nailah Blackman, DJs Kabuki, Howie T, Trevlyn, plus JW & Blaze.

Also on Sunday evening, Presentation College, San Fernando will hold its annual PREStige all-inclusive at the college.

Pantastic Brunch, One Evolution Steelpan Concert

If you really love pan you would love this show. It’s on a Sunday and three pan-playing brothers will team up with one of the country’s most prolific pan soloists/arrangers and a few other musical friends for a day of excellent pan music and soca.

Sons of Steel, in collaboration with Kaiso Blues Café in Newtown, presents two shows on one ‘pantastic’ day, Sunday, February 4. Entertainment kicks off with a Pantastic brunch from 11 am - 3 pm featuring the three brothers — Noel, Earl Jr La Pierre and Olujimi La Pierre — with special guest Tony “Pan Jumbie” Williams.

The action continues with an intimate concert One Evolution as the Sons of Steel adds another son of steel Ken “Professor” Philmore to the cast. According to the eldest brother Noel, “this show is all about first-time collaborative performances that are going to rock the audiences.”

The One Evolution concert is a concept created by the La Pierre brothers to offer patrons an alternative steelpan event which promises to be an exciting and fresh addition to the Carnival season. Added La Pierre: “The aim of the show continues to be the power of unity whilst highlighting the role of steelpan, not only as a product of Panorama but as a tool that can be used to build and grow self-sustaining artiste.”

Merging their unique talents on steel, the La Pierre brothers will be gracing the stage along with Philmore all backed by Faces the band. Also, part of the cast that night are special guest artiste Jerome Bissessar, Jamma Stewart, Kwesi “Shottalinkz” Paul and the soca man himself KV Charles.

Evening of vintage pan

It’s being dubbed Steel Pan Vintage Evening. Hosted by the T&T Chinese Steel Ensemble, this second edition is, as the name implies, an event of great entertainment, delicious local cuisine, good vibes and favourite music.

It is also an opportunity to generate funds for its ongoing expenses and tour fund. Steel Pan Vintage Evening is carded for tomorrow, January 20, at the Chaconia Hotel, 106 Saddle Road, Maraval, from 7 pm.

The evening, though not an all-inclusive affair, offers patrons one complimentary drink, the chef’s corn soup, ham & hops, accra and pholourie. There will also be other food items on sale and a cash bar.

Contribution is $200 and tickets are available from band members and at the Chaconia Hotel office.

The T&T Chinese Steel Ensemble will provide music from its extensive repertoire to energise the party goers. Also on the playbill is a popular DJ.

The Management is looking forward to connecting with its friends and supporters in a Carnival setting.

As usual, for the past 13 years, St Anthony’s College will once again be the promoter of the first Junior Carnival Parade in the North at the College’s spacious grounds, Morne Coco Road, Westmoorings, on Sunday January 28, from noon to 6 pm.

The perfect venue in every sense of the word for this event, the grounds offer a very spacious parade ground, and an environmentally friendly setting for masqueraders who are able to assemble in cool surroundings either in large tents or in a green space with the river gently flowing nearby. Both gathering points provide easy access to the Parade Ring.

St Anthony’s Grounds also provide lots of seating for spectators on both bleachers and comfortable chairs, with available play space for young spectators. The sale of a variety of delicious food and drink; beautiful trophies as prizes for the youngsters who prefer showing off their trophies for the entire afternoon rather than be presented with a toy to add to what may be an already large Christmas Collection complete a perfect family outing. Of course there is also excellent DJ music and very clear announcements by usually skilled presenters.

Registration, which has already started, continues until Sunday, January 21, and is free for bands, individuals and couples.

Bands can download forms from the school’s website www.stanthonys.edu.tt which can be dropped off at the College.

This junior carnival has a minimal entrance fee to the competition of $20 for adults, with children between five and 12 being charged ten dollars. Children under five have free admission.

Entrance for all masqueraders is free and secure parking is available.

Contacts are 637-6744, tigersjcp@stanthonys.edu.tt Morne Coco Road, Westmoorings.

Well, it’s finally here; another allday steelband explosion in De Big Yard Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. Thousands are expected to throng the venue from as early as 7 am on Sunday morning for the best seats in the house for the scheduled 9 am start to the 2018 National Panorama semifinals for medium and large conventional steel orchestras.

Congratulations to bpTT Renegades for topping the field of the large band category of the preliminary round of competition playing Duvonne Stewart’s arrangement of Voice’s Year of Love. The Charlotte Street band accumulated 264 points, two points more than the second placed Skiffle and Phase II Pan Groove (tie 262).

Congratulations are also deserving of defending Medium Band champion Pan Elders, performing the late Brigo’s Limbo Break, also arranged by Stewart, with 265 points. They were followed by Petrotrin Katzenjammers, Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille and Power Stars. The three tied with 258 points each.

However, before Sunday’s showdown, Pan Trinbago will hold the semifinal for small bands tomorrow, from 1 pm, at Victoria Square North on Park Street. The first band to appear before the judges is Trinidad Valley Harps playing Feeling The Feeling. They will be followed by Antillean All Stars playing We Are Conquerors and Fascinators Pan Symphony performing Buss Head. Rounding off the small band semifinal will be south Trinidad’s Old Tech playing Doh Tell Ah Soul.

Fourteen steelbands in the Medium and 14 bands in the Large categories will compete for places in the finals at the National Panorama semifinals and Savannah Party on Sunday.

Adjudicators in this round were Martin Albino, Lorna Conyette, Ezra Joseph, Richard Pierre (Medium) with Corrine Soo Ping Chow, Damion Phillip, Roger Sardinah and Lennox London (Large).

Draw for playing position in the two categories were conducted yesterday morning at CTV.

More than just pan

Aside from the Panorama competitions, a number of massive fetes and shows are also carded for this weekend. Tonight alone two major promotion outfits —Spektakula Promotions and Randy Glasgow Productions (RGP)—are staging events in the north and south.

RGP is holding its annual Ladies Night Out Mega Concert (LNO) at Jean Pierre Complex, headlined by the likes of reigning Road March champ MX Prime & Ultimate Rejects and sizzling 2018 contender Patrice Roberts.

Other top tier artistes on the LNO line-up include defending International Soca Monarch Voice, Erphaan Alves, Orlando Octave, Turner, Marzville, Lyrikal, Nailah Blackman, Jadel, Nadia Batson, Kes the Band, Kerwin Dubois, Ricardo Drue, KI, Raymond Ramnarine, Ravi B, Shiv Sharti Dance Company, Rupee, as well as DJs Ana and J Angel.

Spektakula Promotions is staging not one, but two shows tonight. Calypso Through the Years is scheduled for 8 pm at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (Sapa), San Fernando, and Karnival Komedy Spektakula begins half-hour later at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa), Port-of- Spain.

Vintage Calypso Knights Part 2, featuring Bro Superior & Friends, Poser, Bro Mudada, Abebele, Reflection The Band and more will be also held tonight, at 7 pm, at Kaiso Blues Cafe, 85 Woodford Street, Newtown.

If you are looking for a good, “ole time” house fete tonight, take a trip to 10 Tenth Street West, Cane Farm Avenue, Trincity, where D Golden Girlz are having their annual allinclusive fete, this year billed as Dis Is D Year 4 Love.

The schools, including Trinity College, Bishop Anstey High School, St Mary’s, Hillview and Presentation San Fernando colleges, have all reported nothing short of success for all the fund-raising all-inclusive fetes staged thus far and tomorrow is expected to be even better when Queen’s Royal College OBA holds Fete Royal 2018 on the The Courtyard, Hayes Street, St Clair, from 5 pm. Music will be by Kes The Band, Destra & Bakanal, Dil-e-Nadan, Ultimate Rejects, Voice, Shal Marshall and lots more.

The final of the 2018 Chutney Soca Monarch competition is also on tomorrow and is expected to be South Trinidad’s premier Saturday night event.

For the past two decades Machel Montano has not performed in a soca fete in the Arima Velodrome. But, come tomorrow night, the undisputed ultimate king of soca is billed to perform at Soca in the Drome.

Mammoth events during Carnival time have usually made their home in Port-of-Spain. With the decline of WASA fete, east Trinidad has been somewhat forgotten when it comes to big parties and Soca in the Drome wants to fix this.

Also billed to share the Velodrome stage with Montano are Bunji Garlin and his Asylum Vikings. These two giants will be complimented by Preedy, M1 and Patrice Roberts, all of whom hail from the east, Toco, Sangre Grande and Maloney, respectively, to be exact.

A release from the fete promoters stated: “Soca in the Drome will give T&T a show to set the standard for fetes in the east.”

Sunday’s calendar of events includes School of Creating Models staging its 25th annual Miss Carnival Queen Pageant (Diamonds Are Forever) at Kaiso Blues Cafe, at 3 pm. Chaguanas North Secondary School, Chaguanas is also holding its Soca Brain Cooler on Sunday as is Bishop’s High School doing its fund-raising all-inclusive fete in Tobago.

To round of the weekend, Spektakula Promotions will repeat Calypso Through the Years at Clifton Hill Beach Club, Point Fortin, at 6.30 pm. (See Page A33)

Yorke fete gets a 10 rating

When a competing promoter gives a ten rating to another promoter you know the event was a blast. This was the case after last Sunday’s Yorke Inc’s Fun Seekers Unite all-inclusive fete at the University Inn & Conference Centre, UWI, St Augustine.

After the fete, Victoria’s Party Events director Rawle Purcell posted on Facebook: “Party was a blast. Entertainment/Music..... a 10; Food/Drinks....a 10; Parking/Maxi Ride To Event.....a 10; Patrons/Venue.....a 10.

“Can’t ask for more. Very good....looking forward to Mendez Drive Cooler Fete on Saturday, February 3 in Diego Martin. Peace and Love my Brother.”

The fete was hosted by former Road March champ and popular television personalities JW & Blaze and music on the evening was provided by Dil-e-Nadan, Brass 2 D World, D All Starz Band, Rhapsody NG, Voice, Iwer George, Marzville, Nailah Blackman, Olatunji, and DJs Kabuki, Howie T, Trevlyn.

Michele and Debbie, two other Yorke Inc loyal supporters, added their two-cents to Pulse saying: “It was the bomb. Yorke has the right formula for making people de-stress and have a great time. All the bands and performers were great but Iwer George mash up de place singing Savannah. After he and Brass 2 D World, with long time Second Imij singer Russell Cadogan, we didn’t want anybody else. Voice and Nailah are two young people with the world as their oyster. Both of them were also exceptionally good.”

Columnist Indira Ribeiro also took to Facebook to comment about the Yorke Inc fete and posted: “I had an absolute ball...so many elements of this fete provided untold pleasure...the safety, the music, the entertainers, the vibe, food and drink.... .Brass 2 D World was a lovely secret (for me)....the ole time session with Howie T (I think) was supremely exhilarating.....congrats to the team.”

Historic Carnival tour

The National Trust of T&T will host the Historic Carnival Tour on Tuesday, January 30, from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.

The tour will expose patrons to the history of pan, calypso and mas as they explore various spaces which include: The Sparrow Exhibition, the Lord Superior Exhibition, Rain-o-rama (Lord Kitchener’s home and museum), a wirebender’s workshop and the panyard of the reigning National Panorama champion Massy Trinidad All Stars on Duke Street. Patrons will also be serenaded by the world’s longest performing calypsonian Brother Superior.

Superior started performing at the age of 16 and is the first calypsonian to produce a record on his own record label; the first to perform at Madison Square Garden, New York, USA; and, the first to produce a full length calypso musical.

Last year, Andrew “Brother Superior” Marcano received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) at the UWI graduation at the St Augustine Campus for his contributions to the art form.

Tickets for the Historic Carnival Tour are available at the office of National Trust of T&T, 68-70 Sackville Street, Port of Spain; the San Fernando Water Taxi Terminal and the Port-of-Spain Water Taxi Terminal.

Tickets cost just $200 (Members/Juniors); $250 (Seniors, aged 60+; and $275 (Non-Members.

For further details about this event please contact the National Trust of T&T at 625-6340/225-4750/706-6316, Fax:226-1008 or email: chenelle.spooner@planning.gov.tt

No fete

The Blood Bank, Maraval Rotary Club, and the Hotel Normandie have expressed regret that due to unforeseen circumstances their joint project Hearts and Minds on Fire, the all-inclusive event scheduled for Under The Trees at the Normandie in St Ann’s on Sunday, February 4 2018, has been unavoidably cancelled.

Holders of tickets are advised to collect their refunds at the Normandie, 10 Nook Avenue, St Ann’s between 10 am and 6 pm, daily. Any inconvenience caused by the cancellation is regretted.

Kes, Nailah for Naps 2018

Naparima Alumni Past Students (Naps) recently launched its new line-up of artistes performing at its annual Carnival Friday fete, Party in Paradise.

Stakeholders and the media were presented with a new slate which includes Kes the Band, Nailah Blackman and Naps faithfuls Dil-e-Nadan and former Road March champion Nya George and his band Invazion 5.0.

Hosted at the Camboulay Restaurant on Sutton Street, San Fernando, the Naps fete committee promises a different experience on Carnival Friday. In addition to the new performers, patrons can choose either an all-inclusive package with premium drinks, food and stage-front access or bring their coolers and complimentary refreshments will be provided. A fully stocked bar is also available and a variety of food items will be on sale.

Party in Paradise is one of three signature events hosted by the Naparima College Alumni. All proceeds go to the students at the College. Naps’ first vice-president Ahmed Saidwan added, “We stand by our motto, ‘Putting Students First’. All funds are used to support the Big Brother initiative whereby financial support and mentoring for needy students are provided. Profits from all our fund-raisers also go towards the development of the student athlete including sporting programmes such as football, cricket, volleyball etc.”

He also added that the alumni provides support towards the upgrade of the college.

Party in Paradise takes place on Carnival Friday night (February 9) at the Naparima Bowl. Fete starts at 8 pm and tickets are available at the College; Valini’s Drug Mart; RIK Services Ltd; Computerist Mobile (Gulf City); and, from committee members.

Critically affected by the constricting economy, calypso tents are the endangered species of Carnival. With this year’s festival a mere 13 days off, a number of tents remained unopened while some have had sporadic shows.

Among the few calypso tents which, assuming salmonlike habits swimming upstream against the tide, have been south’s Kaiso Karavan, managed by Tuco South Zone chairman Ras Kommanda; Port-of-Spain’s Klassic Ruso, managed by North Zone chairman Contender; and, the all-female Divas Cabaret International, owned by Dr Rudy Ottley.

Though witnessed by a small audience, Divas had a wonderful opening last week Thursday night at the pan theatre of 2018 National Panorama (Single Pan) champion Angostura Newtown Playboys Steel Symphony.

Served by just a dozen female calypsonians, the entertainment value at Divas favourably compares with other calypso tents offering twice as manyperformers.

On opening night, aside from excellent performances, the Playboys theatre offered a wonderful aesthetic and ambience.

Imagine a calypso tent providing its patrons with plush couches and rattan furniture, tables and carpeted flooring. The tent was officially opened by motivational speaker Anthony Watkins and Ottley.

Unfortunately, the Playboys facility was just for opening night as the Divas is actually a roving tent with shows booked nationwide. Tomorrow, the tent will be pitched at Festival Square, Point Fortin, at 8 pm, and the following night will be in Marac.

The band accompanying the women, Transition Brass, led by Titus Tannis and featuring ace guitarist Michael Chang Wai, seemingly wellrehearsed and tight, opening night got off to am flying start, in no small way fuelled by very funny hostess Jillian Smith.

The former Wack 90.1FM radio personality who is celebrating her fourth year with Divas, was miked allowing her to use her hands, make gestures and dramatically act out much of her funny antics. Providing excellent chorus as was the Divettes trio. Each year Divas Cabaret International singles out a calypso icon to dedicate its season to with its singers performing covers of the honorees. Last year it was Calypso Rose and this year it’s Mighty Sparrow. Former National Calypso Queen Maria Bhola opened the performances singing Sparrow’s Mr Walker.

She was followed by Raeann Guerra, with My Brother’s Keeper, Khadja Antoine singing When a Comedian Cries, Visitation from a Stranger by Helen Jones and Look Little Deeper by Anastacia Richardson.

What was obvious as the programme entered its second hour is that Ottley and his selection crew succeeded in selecting singers with excellent voices.

By the time Stacey Sobers rendered the second verse of Queens and Kings, I was telling Tuco chairman Lutalo Masimba that she was my pick for last night’s National Calypso Queen finals, held at Queen’s Hall.

I added that Sobers and this song should also be an easy shoo-in for next Saturday’s National Calypso Monarch semifinal in Skinner Park. Queens and Kings is a very well composed social commentary.

Sherisse Collymore, singing Sparrow’s Obeah Wedding, rounded off the show’s first half.

Dressed in wedding gown, veil and even having a bouquet of flowers, this young singer had her audience in the palm of her hands with her clear diction and interaction with seated patrons.

The show’s second half was opened by Atlanta-based artiste Natalie Joseph Settle (Empress Natty) singing Together by Culture.

Bhola returned to render Let Her Go and Nicole Cezair did De Night Before followed by Guerra doing Sparrow’s Education.

For her second song, Calypso Capital, Sobers was again at the top of her game, and she preceded Empress Natty who steamed up the venue for her racy Water.

Veteran Karen Eccles was her normal perfect self rendering Sparrow’s No Money No Love with perfect pitch and diction.

Sparrow’s classics were the choice picks to end the show with Cezair doing Magarita and Empress Natty bringing the curtain down with Doh Do Dat.

I envy you people who reside in far flung districts nationwide as you are getting an opportunity of not just visiting a calypso tent in your community but seeing a wellbalanced, above-board package of calypso performed by a dozen excellent female singers.

Music, especially pan music, continues to be the balm to curb crime and violence. Last weekend’s National Panorama semi-finals, held at Victoria Square (Small Bands) and at the Queen’s Park Savannah (Large / Medium Bands) was proof of this. While 58 steelbands entertained thousands, there was nary a report of serious crime or violence in or around the nation’s capital.

The eastern end of Ariapita Avenue into western Park Street was blocked to vehicular traffic on Saturday night and was dotted from Colville Street to Victoria Square by 30 small steelbands. Topping the competition was Laventille Serenaders. Down south, at Skinner Park, San Fernando, Nishard M and Neval Chatelal and ran away with the 2018 Chutney Soca Monarch title.

On Sunday the masses made the annual ritualistic trek to the Savannah to hear 28 medium and large steelbands for approximately nine hours and behaviour at all three major events was exemplary.

As I wrote in an earlier article, this year’s Panorama competition isn’t about which band sounds good but about which arranger best interprets a band’s tune of choice and which drill master succeeded in getting the musicians to perfectly execute the piece. It will all come down to these two constants regardless of how much gimmickry some bands try to utilise like shouting Sparta-type outbursts (300 movie), singing lyrics to songs, using moko jumbies and sexy dancers, or pannists standing on bass racks while performing. The proof of the pudding will be in the music and the men behind the music next week Saturday night.

As far as arrangers go, Arddin Herbert, Duvonne Stewart, Carlton Zanda Alexander and Len “Boogsie” Sharpe are the main musicians in main contention for next week Saturday’s epic pan finale in The Big Yard.

2018 music Sweet Fuh Days

This year, soca music is the winner in carnival. Despite the short season, I must compliment our producers and artistes for coming up with some truly beautiful melodies and arrangements, a few of them being top of the line in terms of innovation and creativity.

Right off the top of my head, in terms of creativity, I think of former Soca Monarch Olatunji for coming up with the most unique Bodyline. Inspired by Swing music of the ‘40s, way before Olatunji was even conceived, this single, as well as its video, are ina class by themselves.

Another single that has caught my fancy is Hulk, recorded and performed by Blaxx. I am eager to see how he will perform this song at next Friday’s International Soca Monarch final.

It’s been a while since a young composer/artistes has impressed me as Aaron “Voice” St Louis has. The two-time International Soca Monarch seems set to prove that not only can lightning strike twice by can hit a third time with his infectious Year For Love, on the Upendo Rhythm. In fact, I love all the songs on the Upendo Rhythm by the likes of M1, Machel Montano and Turner.

As far as there being a social commentary in soca, in similar vein to Year For Love, it is Blue Soap, featuring Yankee Boy, Olatunji, Orlando Octave, Asten Isaac and Rikki Jai. These two songs have good lyrics.

I must admit that although I also love Iwer George’s Savannah, Kees Dieffenthaller’s Hello, Shal Marshall’s Splinters, Marzville’s Give It To Ya, and the releases by MX Prime & Ultimate Rejects, I have a particular fondness for Patrice Roberts’ Start the Party (Sweat Fuh Days). This ditty has managed to capture the feel and sound of calypso music of years gone by while fusing with the soca of recent times.

Other soca songs that have moved me thus far have been Full of Vibes (Voice & Marge Blackman); Rough Wine (Machel); World’s Bend (Salty & Travis); Family (Destra); Party til we Drop (Shurwayne Winchester); Feelin’ Good (Claudette Peters); Party Start (Skinny Fabulous); and, Overdue (Erphann Alves).

No rest forthe wicked

James Brown was hailed as “the hardest working man in show business” but I have got to be the wickedest man in entertainment if one is to go be that old adage “no rest for the wicked.”

My weekend is bursting at the seams with carnival events to cover beginning tonight with the repeat of Spektakula Promotions’ Calypso Through the Years, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa), Port-of-Spain. This show is repeated because of public demand following last weekend’s bumper premiere at the same venue.

The very popular Kees Dieffenthaller with Hello and Patrice Roberts, whose Start the Party is a hot Road March favourite, are to be added to the cast that also includes David Rudder, Chalkdust, Gypsy, Baron, 3 Canal, Trinidad Rio, Funny, Luta, Relator, Rikki Jai, Iwer, Ronnie Mc Intosh, Tony Prescott, Rupee, Edwin Yearwood and Tommy Joseph.

Early in the morning I head to Skinner Park, San Fernando for Kaiso Fiesta, the 2018 National Calypso Monarch semi-final, and after that, at around 8 pm, I head to Fatima College on Mucurapo Road, St James for its annual fund-raising all-inclusive fete.

Among the many events I am forced to miss out is Saturday night’s Mendez Drive Cooler Fete Carnival Edition being held at 2 Mendez Drive Diego Martin from 10 pm. Again the cast is led by Voice, and includes Nailah Blackman, Marzville and up and coming soca star Keturah. Popular DJs in the mix are Howie T, Duane & Penny, Elon from South and Selector Jr.

Sleep seems unlikely on Saturday night as I promised former Road March champion Shurwayne Winchester that this year I will attend his Addiction breakfast party being held at his residence at 1 Darceuil Lane, Mausica Street, Arima on Sunday morning from 4 am.

Sunday afternoon into Monday morning is nothing short of madness, beginning with the beautiful women of the Defence Force Reserves having their semi-inclusive fete at the Reserves Headquarters, Mail Road, Macqueripe, Chaguaramas. Transport for this party leaves RBC, Independence Square, Port-of-Spain between 3-5 pm, and music will be by Orlando Octave, Snakey, Preedy, Impulse, The Prison Band, Defence Force Single Pan Steelband, plus DJs Have a Time, Gabby Kabuki and Chris Boynes.

On my return from Chaguaramas it’s straight to the Government Campus Plaza on Richmond Street for what promises to be one of the festival’s best fetes—Epic Events & Marketing Solutions’ Paninclusive—Pan Lime in D City, defending National Panorama champion Massy Trinidad All Stars, Shell Invaders, Woodbrook Playboyz, D’ All Starz featuring Blaxx, Ricardo Drue, Tizzy and Teddyson John, Chutney-Soca band Dil-e-Nadan, featuring Raymond Ramnarine and a very special full band performance by the legend himself, King David Rudder backed by Wayne Bruno & Rapid Response.

Unfortunately, I will also be missing this year’s Oneness party in 2018, hosted by the St Ann’s RC Church on Sunday afternoon at the Queen’s Hall Carpark in St Ann’s. Keeping the theme of a food-inclusive family affair, Oneness will again provide good, clean family fun and top-notch entertainment with the fast-rising Brass 2 D World, Oscar B & Vibes, SuperBlue, Ronnie McIntosh, and many more. There will be food galore, a well-stocked bar and lots of fun for children at this family event.

Organisers are promising that your family will feel safe with the professional security team and secure parking will be available at the St Ann’s RC Church compound and the Scouts Association of T&T with free shuttles to and from the venue.

Admission is a steal, pegged at $375 for adults; $175 for teens; and, $75 for Tweens 12 & under, guaranteeing the best value for money anywhere this season. so, get your tickets at the Church or Queen’s Hall Box Office now and remember all proceeds go toward the restoration of this historic church and national heritage site.

For more information, call 624-1284, 624-1426, 497-4104, 497-4116 or 764-8800 or email stannsparish.offadm@gmail.com

If this weekend is just a taste of what to expcted the ensuing weekend, Jah help me. Notice I have not mentioned Monday’s Monachel Monday Soca Kingdom. That actually is the start of the Carnival weekend, one which will last seven days and nights.

Everybody is a star at Fatima....

....more fete this weekend

It is finally here, the final weekend of the reign of the Merry Monarch for 2018.

Thus far, though short and hectic, it has been a clean and enjoyable Carnival, complete with beautiful music.

Last weekend there were competitions and shows, and fetes aplenty but the one stuck in my head is Saturday night’s You Are the Star staged by Fatima College Old Boys Association on the school premises. Despite the many other events taking place, including the semi-final of the National Calypso Monarch in Skinner Park, San Fernando,

Saturday’s all-inclusive attracted the largest attendance of all the annual fund-raising events staged through the years by the associa.

Among the many dignitaries and corporate people seen in attendance were Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his wife, Sharon, House Speaker Bridgid Annisette George and her husband, Newman George, head of the HDC, Minister of Trade Paula Gopee Scoon, Education Minister Anthony Garcia, Public Utilities Minister Robert Le Hunte, Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez and former National Security minister Gary Griffith.

With guests being welcomed upon entry by St James Tripolians, managed by Keith Simpson, entertainment began as early as 5 pm with a performance by The Flick, an aggregation comprising of Fatima College musicians. With comedienne Nikki Crosby and Fatima old boy Rody Cumberbatch hosting, in what seemed to be a Brass Festival, which coincidentally used to be held on the same Saturday years ago, there was a seamless procession of some of the best soca talent in the land, right up to 1.15 am on Sunday when Kes the Band brought the curtain down on proceedings.

The music bands in the flow were Sekon Sta & The Soca Squad, Dil-e-Nadan, Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons & The Asylum Vikings Band, and D’ All Stars, featuring Blaxx, Ricardo Drue, Teddyson John and Tizzy.

As if that was not enough, the bands were augmented by individual artistes including Voice, Olatunji, Erphaan Alves, Preedy, Nadia Batson, Turner, Marzville, Shal Marshall, Marge Blackman, Patrice Roberts, Lyrikal, Problem Child, Rupee and MX Prime & Ultimate Rejects.

The other star attraction on Saturday night was the culinary array of goodies served up by top chefs and cooks led by Executive Chef Debra Sardinah-Metivier in over 35 food stations and five food clusters.

Fete, fete, till yuh drop In every nook and cranny of the country from tonight until Tuesday there are fetes aplenty and one of the big ones tonight is Island People Experience’s Represent Free Drinks Fete at the Campus Plaza, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, from 10 pm.

It’s impossible to list all of tomorrow’s and Sunday’s fetes

so I will just mention the finals of the National Panorama competition tomorrow evening, at 7 pm, at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, as the nation’s best medium and large conventional steel orchestra vie to wrest the title from Pan Elders and Massy Trinidad All Stars, respectively.

On Sunday, the Savannah will again be a battle zone when the finals of the National Calypso Monarch and Kings & Queens of Carnival are held. Based on Tuesday night’s preliminary, Krystal Thomas, portraying De Head Huntress from Paparazzi Carnival’s Nomadik Nation. Among the kings the frontrunners seem to be Kyle Matas (Manus X Machina: Mas in the Age of Technology); Curtis Eustace (Kamatachi: D Chinese Demon Butterfly); Ted Eustace (Dos Banditos); Alan Vaughn (Balla Fasseke, Griot and Master of Ceremonies); and, Adrian Young (Sundjata, The Lion of Mali).

Veteran defending monarch Chalkdust has his work cut out at the Dimanche Gras final of the National Calypso Monarch as he is up against 15 challengers, including young and hungry singers like Voice, Stacey Sobers, Helon Francis, Myron Bruce, Lady Watchman and Rondell Donawa. Other past monarchs in contention are Singing Sandra, Kurt Allen, Karene Asche and Sugar Aloes.

All in all, this weekend will be one of much excitement and music. Be safe, enjoy yourselves as you are needed to be alive and safe come Valentine Day (Ash Wednesday). Remember it is the Year for Love.

Pan in Yuh Face

As the pan fever reaches its crescendo, pan ambassador Dennis “Smithy” Smith, arranger, composer and producer, is over the moon.

The southerner, and well travelled panman who plies his trade on the high seas on the Princess Cruises vessel, is on a whirlwind visit to his homeland. He wears the title Pan Ramajay winner 1993 (soloist category) proudly, after having beaten a classy field.

Smith is elated that bands, birdsong and the 2018 National Secondary Schools Panorama champion St Francois Girls’ College played his song Pan Break.

The song vocalised by calypsonian Crazy, lyrically clothed by Gregory “GB” Ballantyne, came from the creative cranium of Dennis. While birdsong did not get past the preliminary round of this year’s national Panorama (Large Bands), he thanks both bands for recognising the song worthy of attention, especially arrangers Rudy “Two Left” Smith and Peter Rory Aleong, respectively.

In 2012, Dennis threw two songs Pan In Yuh Face and Jump Up and Play Yuhself. Pan in yuh Face was written by Keith Anderson and sung by his sister Dianne Saunders; Jump Up and Play Yuhself was sung by former Volts Express frontman Garth David, now based in the USA.

Although both songs got airplay, they did not resonate with the panmen. Undaunted Smith came back with Pan Break. We could look forward to more exciting music from him in the coming year.

From all appearances Monday and Tuesday are going to see steelbands again being a major force on the streets of Port-of-Spain as far as masquerade on carnival day is concerned. Republic Bank Exodus and bpTT Renegades have teamed up with masquerade bands to present mas, and Desperadoes is going it on its own.

In years gone, with the upper class segregating by playing mas on lorries, steelbands ruled the roost with mas for the masses with memorable presentations by Band of the Year winner Silver Stars, Starlift, Dem Fortunates, Desperadoes, San Juan All Stars and Trinidad All Stars. In fact, All Stars won two consecutive Band of the Year titles. With creativity and portrayals in mas being diminished to bikinis and beads, the steelbands were again sidelined in preference to excessively loud music and costumes that, according to veteran masman Ancil Mc Lean, “could fit into a nuts bag” or pizza box.

This year, Renegades has partnered with Belmont Exotic Stylish Sailors (Bess) to present Masters of the Art, a portrayal that will pay homage to the bandleaders, designers, wire benders, artists, copper workers, decorators, tailors, seamstresses and everyone involved in Carnival.

Having placed second in the Band of the Year (Small) competition for the past four years, Bess is confident of doing better this time around. This year, Renegades, currently in front in the race for National Panorama (Large Band) honours, is celebrating its 70th anniversary. The Renegades Fancy Sailor presentation in the union is Smooth Sailor.

To satisfy what is expected to be a large turnout of masqueraders, Masters of the Art will also be served by DJ Dynamic Sounds.

The public cannot wait to see the combination mas of Exodus Steel Orchestra and Peter Minshall as the dual producers present The Eyes of God: Black Eye Peas and Rice, what promises to be a new concept to authentic sailor mas.

On Monday night, at Machel Monday, the public got its first look at the king of the band, Earl Thompson portraying Death and the Maiden: The Fancy Sailor Plays Pegasus. The portrayal also won cheers on Tuesday night at the Savannah when its competed for a place in Sunday’s King of Carnival final.

There is much excitement in Desperadoes panyard as mas leaders Matthew Cox and Errol “Bushy” Holder, and the Elders Association continue to churn out designs for its presentation of Choose Your Flavour.

On Monday, the flavour will be the West Indies in Laventille and on Tuesday masqueraders will parade as the flavour of Africa, as a mark of respect to the ancestors.

Time to change the change

I borrowed this article’s headline from 2018 National Calypso Monarch Helon Francis’ winning composition Change as Pulse extends congratulations to all the champions of C2K18.

Among the champions making an indelible impression on C2K18 were Queen of Carnival Roxanne Omalo; King of Carnival Earl Thompson; Ronnie and Caroline McIntosh for their hat-trick win in the Band of the Year (Large) competition; Duvonne Stewart for his double National Panorama victory; co-Road March champion Machel Montano and SuperBlue; Renegades Youth Steel and St Margaret’s for their historic Junior Panorama wins; young National Calypso Monarch Helon Francis; International Soca Monarch Voice, also a hat-trick champ; National Calypso Queen Stacey Sobers; and, Young Kings winner Marc Eastman. Perhaps it was due to recession or crime but I found the normal euphoria and participation in this year’s festival to be timid.

At many events, patrons in attendance seemed to be not thoroughly enjoying themselves but more waiting for the next shoe to drop.

Lacking was the normal joie de vivre and gay abandonment typically associated with carnival. While most of the allinclusive fetes enjoyed healthy patronage the same cannot be said for this year’s state-funded ventures; the biggest casualty being the calypso tents.

So critical was their demise that a few had to prematurely close their season due to insufficient funding and poor patronage.

To ensure longevity of the calypso tent owners/managers need to reconfigure their template and rebrand what they are selling to a public which seems to be totally fed up of what has been served in recent years.

As far as calypso is concerned, Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco) needs to retool it packages.

For instance, must there be really 16 competitors in the National Calypso Monarch final?

Why not ten? And, why not revert to having the finalists sing two songs? This will surely separate the sheep from the goats.

On the subject of reconfiguration, the National Carnival Commission (NCC) has to also fine tune its act.

For starters, the North Stand has outlived its allure and purpose.

It is one of carnival’s white elephants and is frankly a waste of tax payers’ money. Aside from the National Panorama semi-finals nobody goes there anymore so it’s a monumental drain and strain and is merely another “eat-ah-food” device.

Having stated that, Pulse must compliment the NCC though, and whoever else is responsible, for providing traditional mas time and space in the Queen’s Park Savannah on Carnival Monday morning.

These portrayals were a positive ingredient to the overall C2K18 pot pourri.

Wey calypso went?

Back to “de friggin Savannah,” according to Brother Valentino, and I found this year’s National Calypso Monarch final to be drawn out and boring.

The only competitors to actually hold my attention were eventual and welldeserved winner Helon Francis, runners-up Voice and Rondell Donawa, Stinger, Stacey Sobers, Sugar Aloes and Mistah Shak.

I have seen every one of Chalkdust’s final night performances and Sunday night’s has got to be amongst his weakest ever. Something just didn’t mesh well on stage between the defending monarch, his accompaniment and rhythm.

The North Stand unoccupied and the Grand Stand not completely full, Sunday night’s Dimanche Gras was not an event one would hasten to write home about.

The prelude to the actual competitions is still too long and the link between segments are not sensibly conceptualised or produced.

Why was former International Soca Monarch Olatunji hired as a guest artiste? Wouldn’t Brother Superior, Relator, even Brother Ebony have been a better choice on the premier night of calypso competition?

On a positive note though I must big up set designer Edwin Erminy for doing a good job, beautifully capturing a true barrack yard setting, complete with jalousies, fret work and clothes hanging on the line.

Medium band champions Pan Elders enjoy their wining performance of Limbo Break arranged by Duvonne Stewart during the Medium Bands category during the National Panorama final at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Saturday . PICTURE ANISTO ALVES

Yes, money might be tight, but designers in the mas fraternity need to step up their act in the Kings & Queens of Carnival arena. Peter Minshall’s design of Death and The Maiden: The Fancy Sailor Plays Pegasus, for veteran mas man Earl Thompson, was like a breath of fresh amidst a sea of flotsam, and as far as creativity and originality was concerned.

A blueprint for pan

Pan Trinbago needs to return to the planning table for its productions. No stage production should me more than three hours so your final night event is just way too darn long.

One suggestion to consider is to have separate nights of competition for medium and large conventional steelbands. On one night, ten bands competing is quite sufficient for one’s olfactory apparatus.

Another thing to get my gall and that of several others was the long wait outside the venue to gain admission. The average age of Grand Stand attendees to Panorama is fifty. Elderly pan enthusiasts tend to be punctual people so it is cruel to have these people stand in hot sun, from 5 pm (time advertised for gates to open) in a very long line for two hours to gain entry.

In fairness to at least one Pan Trinbago official, it was heartening to see him allow a son escort his 91-year-old mother in the Grand Stand before the gates were opened.

Not so lucky for some patrons I saw with walkers and canes.

Though finishing in reasonable time this year the Sunday Savannah Party (semifinals) also needs to be tweaked.

Perhaps to heighten the public’s attention and support, Pan Trinbago needs to mix the medium bands with the large— the order of appearance being one medium, followed by one large—with two panels of judges sitting beside each other.

This way the public might be more inclined to attend the event from its start with patrons knowing they are getting the best of two worlds throughout the production.

No amount of congratulations is too much for top steelband arranger Duvonne Stewart for his feat in this year’s National Panorama competition. He must have made two departed cultural icons—calypsonian Brigo and pan arranger Jit Samaroo—very happy as they lie in eternal rest.

Stewart crafted an outstanding arrangement of Brigo’s Limbo Break for south Trinidad steelband Pan Elders to win an unprecedented fifth title in the medium band category.

He was also successful securing victory for bpTT Renegades among the large bands, breaking a 19-year dry spell of not winning the coveted National Panorama title.

Celebrating its 70th anniversary with a tenth victory in the national competition, the Renegades achievements are numerous and include being the first steelband to win both the senior and junior national Panorama titles; its captain (Candice Andrews-Brumant) being the first female to captain a victorious national winner in the large band category; and, its junior band securing 11 national victories, five of them in consecutive years.

Arranger Stewart is also the first to register a clean sweep in medium and large categories, win the medium and large categories on the same day, and, score wins in the single, small, medium and large categories.

When the history of Panorama is written the name of Duvonne Stewart will be right up there amongst the greats like the late Jit Samaroo and Clive Bradley, and Len “Boogsie”Sharpe.

Champs night is tomorrow Overall though, given the state of the economy, C2K18, though brief, was a good one for most. Still a baby, despite being over a century old, T&T Carnival continues to evolve as a thing of beauty and a manifestation of the spirit and cultures of an extremely talented and creative people.

Tomorrow night, the best of pan, mas, calypso and soca are expected to return to the Savannah stage when Pan Trinbago stages its Champs in Concert Plus.

Expected to perform are junior champs, Aaron Duncan, Sergio Camejo and Duane O’Connor Jnr; Junior Queen of Carnival Jermiah Walters; Junior King of Carnival Nikolai Jagdeo; Queen of Carnival Roxanne Omalo; International Soca Monarch Voice; co-Road March champion Machel Montano and SuperBlue; Band of the Year winners Ronnie & Caro and K2K Alliance; and Panorama winners St Margaret’s, St Francois Girls’ College, Golden Hands, Angostura Newtown Playboys Steel Symphony, Pan Elders and bpTT Renegades.

Traditionally Pan Trinbago is very punctual when it comes to this production and the programme is scheduled to begin at 8 pm.

Late comedian John Agitation must have smiled from beyond last weekend when Keensdee Productions staged the 35th anniversary of Talk Tent at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, on Friday to Sunday, and the artistes all paid special tribute to him.

With a large audience in attendance on Saturday, followed by a sold out house on Sunday, the cast, headed by Paul Keens- Douglas, presented a humorous twist to a number of serious issues, both political and social.

With David Bereaux serving as show host in the capacity of “singing emcee,” the weekend’s programme commenced on time at its advertised 7.30 pm start with veteran Pierrot Grenade Felix Edinborough delivering the first salvo of non-stop humour.

In the unique style of Pierrot, Edinborough set about spelling a number of words, telling stories to arrive at the eventual spelling of a word.

One had to be present to see, hear and understand his spelling of the words “potato” and “redundancy.”

Almost every patron in the auditorium seemed to be able to relate to Avion Crooks as she related her experiences of having a severe toothache.

Though a painful experience, her piece was regularly punctuated by prolonged laughter from the audience.

Also paying tribute to Agitation, who he said assisted him when he began in comedy as a young man, was Miguel Browne, a Talk Tent veteran.

During his skit he recalled many of the old Talk Tent regulars who have passed on, like Shirley Beulah King, Errol “Stalk” St Hill, Horace James, Samantha Pierre, calypsonian Commentor, iconic Midnight Robber Puggy “The Agent of Death Valley” Joseph.

In one of his monologues, speaking about holes in the nation’s roads, Browne opined that WASA and T&TEC must be looking for gold given the regularity at which these two state public utilities dig up the nation’s roads, especially after they have beenpaved.

Browne also had his audience in stitches when he spoke about colloquial localwords and phrases that are no  longer used, like “vaps,” “vi-kivie,” “jijere,” and “pie pie per choka.”

Another Talk Tent veteran, Farida Chapman, elegantly attired in a shimmering midnight-blue, floor length, off-the-shoulder gown, was outstanding as she placed a humorous twist to the sensitive topic of Menopause.

Spoken Word artiste Idrees Saleem was also successful in holding the audience captive as he dramatised on some social issues. One of the night’s standout items was Bereaux rendering three retro calypsoes— Sparrow’s Unity, Small Island Pride’s Mastife and Spitfire’s Post Post Another Letter to Thelma.

On point for Bereaux’s performance was a quartet of musicians which included popular musician Marva Newton.

I have often wondered why Bereaux doesn’t throw his hat in the ring for National Calypso Monarch honours as his diction and articulation are always perfect. His treatment ofSparrow’s Unity, beside invoking much nostalgia, was by itself worth much of the admission fee to Talk Tent.

Star of the show Keens-Douglas was up next, opening with one of his oldies, Vibert and the String Bank. Having placed his audience in the mood to rockback and laugh even more, he raised the bar with Geeky
and the Bees, the painful extraction of honey from bee hives, followed by a new work, The Wedding. PKD rounded of his night’s chore with Foolish People, warning patrons that they could very well be sitting next to one of the foolish people God allowed to walk away without a brain at creation.

Special guest, acclaimed saxophonist Tony Paul walked with ace guitarist Dean Williams to provide an excellent performance opening with a Luther Vandross classic and ending with his jazzy interpretation of Kes’ Hello.

Talkalypso champion Short Pants rounded off a night of good, clean humour, with a serious touch, by reciting lyrics of calypsoes by Rootsman and Brother Valentino. By the time he was into the final verse of Valentino’s Where Calypso Went? he had some patrons answering aloud, “back to de friggin’ tent.”

n Talk Tent 35 was a professionally staged production, with stage manager Michael Welch, who also constructed the stage set, tastefully keeping each item queued to each ensuing performance. The stage set, motif of champagne bubbled surrounding the number 35, was designed by Keens’ Douglas’ wife Marilyn.

Tomorrow is special day for lovers of chutney, soca and crossover music when the 2018 edition of Everybody Loves Raymond (ELR) take places at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, at 8.30 pm. This anticipated concert, which attracts thousands every year, features local heartthrob Raymond Ramnarine and Dil-e-Nadan. This year, the special guest artiste at ELR is Amit Mishra, singer of hit song Buleya. Also joining the cast is new Bollywood singer Avanie Joshi.

Many delectable morsels are included in tomorrow’s menu of performances. Aside from Raymond, the ELR team of Rennie Ramnarine, Renuka Mahabir, Andy Singh and Derrick Seales will serenade what is expected to be a sold out audience. One of the surprise acts will feature the young Ramnarines known as G3, the third generation of Dil-e-Nadan—Varun, Vinesh, Amish and Arvind Ramnarine.

Each year, the fans fill the Centre of Excellence to witness the wide scope of Raymond’s performing skills. The humble entertainer told Pulse that patrons can expect a vintage performance and vows to make this ELR the best ever.

Pulse asked what draws the massive crowd every year to get a glimpse of their favourite artiste? Promoter Rafi Mohammed said: “Raymond is not just any artiste ...he has shown his love and appreciation for his fans over the years and is a master at his craft.

“Raymond Ramnarine is the franchise of our Indo Caribbean industry drawing fans from the Caribbean, USA, Canada and Europe. He owes his success to his family and his fans. T&T can expect a high energy and most electrifying performance from Raymond and the ELR cast on Saturday.”

• For more information visit rafimohammed.com or call 638- 1171.

A barrel of laughs at the Boy Toy with more when The Calypso Girls come to town

As that old saying goes, “when nice do it twice” and that is exactly what RS/RR Productions is doing with its 2018 curtain-raiser The Boy Toy. Starring Debra Boucaud Mason, Penelope Spencer, Nikki Crosby, Richard Ragoobarsingh, Aaron Schneider and David Serrette, and directed by Boucaud Mason and Ragoobarsingh, this laugh-a-minute production is being reprised this weekend at Central Bank Auditorium, Lower St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain.

I attended the premiere of this play last weekend and I would rate it right up there with the most hilarious I’ve seen locally, providing a barrel of laughs as much as Run for Your Wife, starring Raymond Choo Kong, did many years ago.

To put it in local parlance each of the play’s six characters is “horning” his or her partner. Directors Boucaud Mason and Ragoobarsingh crochet and weave their audience through a maze of intrigue as the plot unfurls, each scene more ridiculous and funny than the next.

Ragoobarsingh plays Gilbert, the husband of Sandra, played by Boucaud Mason. The nerdy looking Schneider plays Roger, husband of Joan, played by Spencer and Crosby plays Rosetta the flight attendant.

Also thrown into the mix of la couray and bacchanal is Serrette who plays a motorcyclist hunk named Mark, a visitor who came for dinner and gets the surprise of his life. In fact, everyone eventually gets a surprise in some form or fashion as the fast-paced play races to an intriguing climax.

Showtime this weekend is 8.30 pm tonight and tomorrow and there will be a 6.30 pm matinee on Sunday.

The laughter continues next week when The Baggasse Company premieres The Calypso Girls next Thursday, at the same venue.

The Calypso Girls tells the tale of three long-time friends (Ethel, Lorraine and Rose) who never imagined they’d find love again, but seem to have struck gold with their new romantic interests. While they can’t reveal the details of their relationships to anyone just yet, they confide in Lorraine’s mother, Clementina, about the men who have stolen their hearts. Clementina eventually meets Ethel’s date, Leon, and is won over by him. However, after an unexpected run-in with the pizza delivery man, she soon makes a startling discovery.

Featuring a stellar all-star cast of acting professionals, The Calypso Girls stars Errol Fabien, Cecilia Salazar, Susan Hannays Abraham, Patti-Anne Ali and Marie Chan Durity, bringing first class quality back to the theatre.

Calypso Girls was written by Christine Johnston and is being directed by Brendon O’Brien. This unique local farce runs for four nights only, until March 4.

• Early bird tickets at 20 per cent off are available at any Via/NLCB Lotto ticket outlet until tomorrow. Bookings can also be made online and more information can be obtained by visiting www.facebook.com/thebaggassecompany

Ralph Davis

Veteran opera singer Anne Fridal is paying tribute to veteran pianist Ralph Davies, now 80 years old. The concert Tribute to a Master Blaster is free and is being held this Friday, but attendees must walk with “a bottle or eats.”

The venue is Calypsopera, also called Anne’s Place, at 13 Cipriani Boulevard, Port-of-Spain, opposite Jenny’s on the Boulevard.

All musician, calypsonians and singers, jazz and pop, toute bagai, who have interacted with “Ralphie” over the years are invited to a Jam Session which starts at 6 pm. Well-wishers, too, are welcomed.

Co-ordinator Fridal is expected to sing accompanied by Davies on the ivories. Two vintage calypsoes Davies is expected to perform are the late Kitchener’s Carnival is over and Old Lady Walk A Mile.

Several top musicians and singers have signed on for the tribute. The list includes calypsonian Short Pants (Llewellyn Mc Intosh), bassist Dougie Redon, singers Ava Hutchinson and Caroline Mair, legendary pannist Lennox “Bobby” Mohammed. Ace guitarists Theron Shaw and Marva “Marv” Newton are also expected to appear as well as stand-up comic Keith “Culture Man” Anderson who is coming out of hibernation, as Von Spofforth.

• This evening’s soiree promises to be a blast and, for more information, call Anne Fridal at 766-9300

Casting call for plus size women

Ms Fabulous Plus committee is in the process of screening plus size women for its 2018 pageant. Screening takes place on Sunday and Sunday, March 4, at Cascadia Hotel, St Ann’s.

Interested persons are ask to submit a full-length photograph and registration fee of $100. All ladies will be interviewed and would be required to perform part of a talent and a bit of modelling.

Cara Samlalsingh, a singer, song-writer, fashion model and designer, is the reigning Ms Fabulous Plus.

For further information call 321

Panorama 2018 CD and DVD released

The scintillating steelband performances at the 2018 National Panorama Medium and Large Conventional Finals are captured “live” on CD and DVD and are now available to the public. This is in response to the public demand for the product which in the past filled the void for many Trinbagonians at home and abroad as well as visitors who want to relive the Panorama experience.

Using the theme Steel Crescendo…Explosion of Music & Rivalry, the double-disc set is being hailed as a collector’s item of one the most memorable Panorama competitions in history of the event.

Priced at $150 (CD) and $300 (DVD), the digital recordings are being sold at The M Store, Piarco International Airport, Cleve’s One Stop Music Shop, Frederick Street, Pan Trinbago Head Office, 14 -17 Park Street, Port-of-Spain, and, WACK, Coffee Street, San Fernando.

The 2018 production is a collaborative venture between Pan Trinbago Inc and WACK 90.1 FM.

There is a new burst of energy in the panyard of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra as the band relishes its successes of Carnival 2018. The band placed third in this year’s National Panorama (Large) competition and ninth in the Band of the Year (Medium) competition.

Portraying Flavour of Africa, no doubt mindful of the current blockbuster movie Black Panther, the band faced a few obstacles to be on the road for this year’s carnival.

Having participated in the Renegades competition on J’Ouvert morning, the trailer transporting Desperadoes’ pannists was pulled over by police as its cab driver didn’t have all necessary documents to be on the road as a trailer as well. Frantic efforts were made by officials of the band, including Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz and the required documents were eventually obtained allowing Desperadoes to be part of the parade of bands.

Despite facing this challenge, Errol “Bushy” Holder led a section of Desperadoes’ Carnival Monday mas presentation through the streets as part of its Flavours of the Caribbean presentation.

Desperadoes Elders official, mas band leader and designer Matthew Cox was a pleased man with the band’s Band of the Year placing and is already contemplating designs for next year’s mas presentation. Cox issued an apology to the masqueraders who were disappointed on Carnival Monday when the trailer was taken of the street. This week, Cox said that the Elders committee would hold a “thank you” BBQ at the Desperadoes panyard, now located at the old Government Printery on Tragarete Road, Port-of-Spain, on Sunday, March 4.

Tomorrow, the members of the Desperadoes Youth Steel will be treated at a “get-together” at the panyard. The youths placed second in this year Junior National Panorama competition.

Cox also said that the Elders will be organising a special section in Desperadoes’ presentation at this year’s Borough Day carnival in Point Fortin in May. He has already designed a commemorative jersey for the event.

Mindful of its 2018 Panorama tune of choice (Year For Love), the executive of Desperadoes has also designated 2018 as “the year of self sufficiency” as the band is determined to organise fund-raising events throughout the year into Carnival 2019.

Everybody Loves Raymond tomorrow night

Last Friday, I made a monumental error by stating that Everybody Loves Raymond (ELR) would have been held last Saturday at the Centre of Excellence. So wrong was I that I even got dressed to attend the show, organised transport to go and, it was only when the driver arrived in pouring rain, did I realise that the show is fact being held tomorrow night.

So today, Pulse apologises to promoter Rafi Mohammed, Raymond Ramnarine, the members of Dil-e-Nadan and members of the public who perhaps read my report and ventured to the Macoya venue.

Accompanied by his band, popular crossover act Dil-e- Nadan, tomorrow’s headliners include Amit Mishra, singer of hit song Buleya, and new Bollywood singer Avanie Joshi. One of the star attractions as well  will be the young Ramnarines, known as G3, the third generation of Dile- Nadan—Varun, Vinesh, Amish and Arvind Ramnarine.

Led by Raymond, the Dil-e- Nadan frontline will include Rennie Ramnarine, Renuka Mahabir, Andy Singh and Derrick Seales. Tomorrow’s concert begins at 8.30 pm.

Clean family fun at Phagwa It is that time of year once more when communities nationwide are bathed in colour at the observance of the annualPhagwa celebration. This year, festivities can be expected tobe held on Sunday at venues in Chaguanas, Debe, Aranguez, Longdenville and St Augustine. One of the biggest and popular Phagwa productions is being held from 2.30 pm at the Kendra Grounds, Gilibia Trace, off Raghunanan Road, Enterprise Village, Chaguanas.

One major difference for this weekend’s Kendra Phagwa and Pichakaaree Festival, as opposed to previous years, is that the Pichakaaree event won’t be a competition. According to a Kendra spokesperson, “it will be a festival of music.” As usual, aside from participants of all ages dousing each other in coloured abeer, patrons can expect the normal delightful attractions like the Makan Chor, Ranga Bharse, Sada Roti & Condensed Milk eating competition for the children and the singing of traditional chowtal.

For information contact Hindu Prachar Kendra president Geeta Ramsingh (790-6606) or Seeromani Maraj (680-4322) The Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) also has its Phagwa celebrations taking place this weekend. Today, the SDMS has organised Phagwa festivities at all Maha Sabha schools.

Come Sunday, it will hold general Phagwa celebrations at El Socorro South, Munroe Road temple, and the Felicity Recreation Grounds.

MusicTT’s Live Music District begins in PoS

This year is expected to be an exciting one for local musicians as the T&T Music Company Limited (MusicTT) rolls out its Live Music District. After a private launch next week, expect, to hear great things as the Live Music District comes to life.

In October 2017, the plans for the first Live Music District of T&T were released in the Fiscal 2018’s Budget Speech in Parliament.

The creation of this Live Music District is a key strategy being undertaken by MusicTT/ CreativeTT through the Ministry of Trade and Industry in order to not only address the challenges presented by the industry’s stakeholders but to also stimulate a new wave of economic growth through the creative industries.

As such, stakeholders of the local music industry were engaged by the end of October 2017, and the details were released to an extremely receptive and cheering audience.

By then, venue sound assessments had already begun with most owners/ managers expressing excitement at the prospect of adding live music into their weekly mix.

The main areas within the nation’s capital that will be targeted include the heart of Port-of-Spain, St James, St Clair, Ariapita Avenue, as well as most areas consisting of existing hotels, restaurants, lounges and sports bars. These areas were chosen due to the already-present infrastructure suited for live music as well as the existence of a solid customer base who currently frequent these areas.

Charmaine Forde returns home

Having not being home for several years, Belmont songstress Charmaine Forde is due to return home shortly for a one-night-only performance on Sunday, March 11. Aptly nicknamed “Champagne” when she was at the top of local entertainment alongside divas like Mavis John, Carol Addison, Pat Baptiste, Nadie La Fond and the late Annmarie Inniss, Forde migrated to greener pastures in the United States. Her journey has been an eventful one inclusive of hosting her own radio programme on WHTY 1600AM and producing her television show A Touch of Charm.

The March 11 event is billed as We Kinda Jazz and will feature renowned guitarist Mike Boothman and crooner Steven Encinas.

For Forde and Boothman this is a long overdue reunion as back in the 1970’s Boothman produced Forde whose single Waiting For Your Love was a top ten hit on the local charts.

Other big hits for Forde were her remake of Bobby Condwell’s What You Wont Do For Love, Hero and Gonna Dance.

Looking forward to her return to Trinidad, this week Forde told Pulse: “I can’t wait, its gonna be the best time ever. Don’t miss this, it’s a once in a lifetime performance.”

A star in his own right, plus, chief cook and bottlewasher behind successful music aggregations Rockerfellas and Family Tree, Boothman has also produced albums for revered calypsonians Lord Nelson (Hot, Sweet and Jumpy) and the late, great, Maestro who will be remembered for the hit Fiery from the album of the same name.

These were among the first soca albums produced in T&T.